Apparatus and method for printing on media and detecting information magnetically recorded on the media

ABSTRACT

An information detection apparatus and information detection method for processing recording media to ascertain validity of checks and other negotiable instruments and print as necessary on the recording media. The information detection apparatus for processing recording media comprises in sequence along transportation path  1009  from the insertion opening  1006  a recording medium transportation mechanism  1003 , printing mechanism  1004,  and reading mechanism  1005.  When a recording medium  1008  is transported by transportation mechanism  1003  along transportation path  1009  to a predetermined position, the check is positioned between presser roller  1051  and a detector  1052  of reading mechanism  1005.  Presser roller  1051  then presses recording medium  1008  against detector  1052  while transportation mechanism  1003  pulls the recording medium and particular information recorded to the recording medium is detected. This operation straightens wrinkles and removes slack from recording medium  1008  to reduce reading errors. Based on the read information, a printing process is then executed by printing mechanism  4  and the recording medium is ejected from insertion opening  1006.

CONTINUING APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.09/395,486, filed Sep. 13, 1999, which is a continuation of Ser. No.08/863,446, filed May 22, 1997, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,862, whichis a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/544,528 filed Oct.18, 1995 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,727, the contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is also related in subject matter to Ser. No.09/395,133, filed Sep. 13, 1999, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,896.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for detectinginformation recorded on a recording media and to an informationdetection method for processing recording media. The present inventionrelates particularly to an apparatus and method for reading contentrecorded with magnetic ink on recording media such as checks andnegotiable instruments, and printing to the recording media.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Personal checks are commonly used in place of cash or creditcards to pay for purchases made at retail establishments. Personalchecks are issued by financial institutions such as, banks, and aregenerally imprinted on one side with the account number of the user, aserial tracking number, routing codes, and other information. Thevalidity or invalidity of a personal check can be confirmed by referringto this data.

[0007] MICR codes are classified as E13B or CMC7 codes based ondifferences in character shape, print quality and other standards, andthe MICR printing position on the check is also standardized. Becausethe MICR codes are printed using a magnetic ink, the MICR codes can beconverted to a current waveform by passing the check over the magnetichead magnetized by a magnet. Because the waveforms differ according tothe character represented, the characters can be recognized by analyzingthe current waveforms.

[0008] Apparatuses for reading these MICR codes have been commonly usedfor many years, and are known as magnetic ink character readers (alsoMICR). The MICR reads the imprinted MICR codes as a personal check ispassed over the magnetic head. The magnetic head output is theninterpreted and converted to character data, which is then outputthrough an interface to the POS terminal controller.

[0009] When a store receives a check from a customer and the check isconfirmed valid using the MICR, the check is then endorsed by printingcheck approval, the store name, store account number, and/or otherinformation on the back of the check. Because this endorsement iscommonly printed by a printer, the operator must remove the check fromthe MICR and set it into the printer. The check is then stored afterbeing endorsed to complete personal check processing.

[0010] To process a personal check at a POS station in a retailestablishment, the personal check must be passed through the MICR andthen set into the printer, and the operator must therefore repeatedlyset each personal check into plural devices installed at the POSstation, i.e., the MICR and the printer. If the personal check isinserted to either device with the front and back of the checkimproperly positioned, MICR character recognition will fail or theendorsement will be printed to the wrong side of the check.

[0011] Furthermore, this process can be inherently confusing because theinsertion direction and orientation of the check front and back differ,and the processing time per customer is inevitably increased.

[0012] To simplify this sequence of operations the inventor haspreviously developed a device for sequentially accomplishing MICR textreading and endorsement printing using a magnetic head and print headdisposed to a single transportation path. This device is described andclaimed in parent application Ser. No. 08/544,528. This device isdescribed briefly below with reference to FIG. 31, a simplified sideview of a data detection means for processing checks as the recordingmedium. As shown in FIG. 31 this data detection means comprises a printhead 1105 and a magnetic head 1106. In this data detection means theopening 1107 to which the check is inserted is provided in the space1104 at the front of the device, and the check is inserted horizontallyfrom opening 1107.

[0013] Transport roller 1108 is disposed between opening 1107 and papertransport path 1110. When the leading edge of the check inserted fromopening 1107 reaches the bottom of transport roller 1108, presser roller1109 lifts to press the check against transport roller 1108. When adrive mechanism not shown in the figure then operates, transport roller1108 rotates in the direction transporting the check into papertransport path 1110.

[0014] Magnetic head 1106 is disposed on the back side of papertransport path 1110. Transport roller 1112, which is driven by belt 1111to rotate in synchronization with transport roller 1108, is disposedopposing magnetic head 1106 from the other side of paper transport path1110 such that the check (recording medium) passes therebetween. Whenthe leading edge of the check reaches magnetic head 1106, transportroller 1112 is moved against the check to press the check againstmagnetic head 1106 while continuing to transport the check through thepaper transport path 1110. Magnetic head 106 is thus able to detect themagnetic ink in contact with the check, and can thus read theinformation printed using magnetic ink characters with good precision.

[0015] Paper transport path 1110 is formed curving gently upward withprint head 1105 disposed at the top end of the path. Another transportroller 1113, which rotates synchronized to presser roller 1109 andtransport roller 1112, is disposed between print head 1105 and magnetichead 1106. After the check is transported by presser roller 1109 andtransport roller 1112 through the paper transport path 1110 and is readby magnetic head 1106, it is transported further upward by transportroller 1113. After the entire check is advanced to a vertical position,specific information is printed by the print head 1105, and the check isthen ejected from opening 1114 at the top of the data detection means tocomplete check processing.

[0016] This type of recording media information detection apparatus iswidely used because it enables checks to be processed without usingseparate reading and printing devices.

[0017] With the check transported by synchronously rotating transportrollers 1108, 1112, and 1113, however, there is no tension applied bythe transport rollers to stretch and straighten the check. This meansthat the pressure applied by the transport roller 1112 to the check mustbe high in order to assure positive contact against magnetic head 1106when the check is wrinkled or creased. Because of the high pressurerequired, the apparatus tends to become larger and more expensivebecause of the measures that must be taken to assure sufficientdurability in the bearings of transport roller 1112 and the detectionsurface of magnetic head 1106.

[0018] Furthermore, when this type of information detection apparatus isused for check processing, the operator's eyes and hands must travelback and forth between space 1104 at the front of the apparatus andopening 1114 at the top of the apparatus. As a result, the inconvenienceof check processing is not completely resolved.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide anintegrated processing apparatus comprising both MICR and printer (simplyan integrated processing apparatus below) whereby the operationsrequired of the operator can be simplified and the entire personal checkprocessing operation from MICR reading to endorsement can becontinuously executed.

[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to furtherimprove the prior art as described above by providing a compact,low-cost, information detection apparatus for recording media processingwith improved operability, and a processing method therefor.

SUMMARY OF THE NVENTION

[0021] Personal check processing can be accomplished in a short periodof time without errors by means of an integrated processing apparatus ofthe present invention, and customer service can therefore be improvedand operator fatigue reduced.

[0022] Many functions are required of POS stations installed in retailstores, and the area occupied by such POS stations has a tendency togrow as new apparatuses are added to achieve these various functions.Because conventional printer and MICR units are separate devices,sufficient space must be provided to accommodate these two pieces ofhardware. Furthermore, separate interfaces connecting the printer andMICR to the host device must also be provided and controlled.

[0023] An integrated processing apparatus of the present invention,however, reduces the required installation space, simplifies operationfor the operator, and enables the design of POS stations to provideexcellent functionality and aesthetics.

[0024] As POS station functionality increases, personal computers havebeen used as the POS station controller; some of such controllers arealso capable of providing the operator with appropriate guidance andhelp. However, as operation becomes more complex and the size of thehelp program increases, the processing speed (throughput) of thepersonal computer may drop.

[0025] An integrated processing apparatus of the present invention,however, resolves one source of operating complexity, and can thereforeresolve the problem of reduced throughput.

[0026] To achieve the above objects and combine the MICR code readingfunction and endorsement printing function, an integrated processingapparatus of the present invention disposes a magnetic head and a printhead in the paper path common to these functions. More specifically, anintegrated processing apparatus of the present invention comprises apaper path for guiding recording media; at least one magnetic headcapable of reading an MICR code and disposed in the paper path facing atleast one side of the recording media; and a print head capable ofprinting to at least one side of the recording media transported throughthe paper path.

[0027] Reading the MICR code imprinted on a personal check or othercut-sheet form, and printing data on the cut-sheet form, can becontinuously executed by a single apparatus because the integratedprocessing apparatus of the present invention has both the magnetic headand the print head disposed on a common paper path. It is therefore notnecessary for the operator to reset the cut-sheet form to separatedevices, and plural processes can be reliably completed in a shortperiod of time. Furthermore, by combining two functions in a singleapparatus, the number of devices installed to the POS station can bereduced, the POS station size can therefore reduced, and a POS stationthat is easy to use and aesthetically pleasing can be achieved.

[0028] By means of this integrated processing apparatus, pluralprocesses, including MICR code reading, initial setting of the cut-sheetform to the print head, MICR code recognition nearly simultaneous withcut-sheet form setting, and cut-sheet form printing by the print head,can be continuously executed without intervention by the operator. It isalso possible to print automatically when the MICR code is determinedvalid, and to eject the cut-sheet form from the paper path withoutprinting when the MICR code is not determined valid. Therefore, eventhough plural functions are combined, the operator can respond flexiblyas needed according to MICR code recognition. If reading is not possibleor the read data cannot be confirmed for some reason, the cut-sheet formis simply ejected, and the operator can respond by reinserting thecut-sheet form correctly or taking other appropriate measures.

[0029] To enable even greater flexibility, a process for ejecting thecut-sheet form from the paper path during the confirmation process isprovided so that processing can be canceled during the confirmationprocess. It is also possible to specify the start of MICR code reading,and to then cancel the start of reading during insertion of thecut-sheet form to the paper path before MICR code reading actuallystarts.

[0030] A common transport means capable of transporting the cut-sheetform in the paper path to both the print head and the magnetic head canalso be provided as an effective means of minimizing the size of anintegrated processing apparatus of the present invention. By using acommon transport means, the space required for installing the transportmeans in the apparatus is reduced, and the total length of the paperpath is shortened. The total number of parts is also reduced, and thenumber of required interfaces is reduced, thus leading to reducedmanufacturing costs and simplification of the system incorporating anintegrated processing apparatus.

[0031] When a common transport means is used, two transport speeds arealso preferably used, a low speed for advancing the cut-sheet form tothe print head, and a high speed for advancing the cut-sheet form to themagnetic head. When reading the MICR code, a relatively high transportspeed is preferable to maintain the specified recognition rate. Arelatively low transport speed is preferable during printing, however,to assure the desired print quality. By thus providing transport speedssuited to the respective functions, these different processes can bereliability executed.

[0032] To stabilize the transport speed during MICR code reading, firstand second rollers are preferably disposed to the paper path before andafter the magnetic head. Because the cut-sheet form is held by at leastone of the rollers as it passes the magnetic head, the cut-sheet formcan be transported at a stable speed.

[0033] To further improve the MICR recognition rate, a media pressercapable of pressing the cut-sheet form toward the detection surface ofthe magnetic head is preferably disposed at a position opposite themagnetic head in the paper path. The cut-sheet forms inserted to thepaper path may have been folded, wrinkled, and otherwise damaged invarious ways. If the cut-sheet form is pressed to the magnetic head bythe media presser, the cut-sheet form can be held tightly to themagnetic head during MICR code reading, and reading errors can beprevented. It is sufficient to provide to contact members in this mediapresser arrayed in series in the direction perpendicular to thedirection in which the paper travels, and the magnetic head andcut-sheet form can be held together with a known amount of pressure byproviding one of these contact members in opposition to the magnetichead. If the cut-sheet form is also held at the same time by the othercontact member, the cut-sheet form can be held with a constant tensionequivalent to that applied at the magnetic head, and twisting orwrinkling of the paper in the paper path can be prevented. Preferably,the pressure applied by these contact members is also independentlyadjustable so that the resistance between these contact members, themagnetic head, and the other opposing member can be balanced.

[0034] To assure smooth, accurate MICR code reading, presser rollers areprovided on the media presser to advance while holding the cut-sheetform pressed to the detection surface positioned before the magnetichead. Note that these presser rollers may be non-driven, freely rotatingrollers. To further reduce the resistance during paper transportation,the presser rollers may also be driven rollers synchronized to the othertransport rollers provided in the paper path. This also helps preventdistortion of the cut-sheet form and curving of the form in thedirection of travel.

[0035] These media pressers become a resistance to cut-sheet formtransportation when not reading the MICR code, and can easily wear dueto contact with the paper or contribute to foreign matter adhering tothe magnetic head. When the presser rollers are driven insynchronization to the transport rollers, they can also contribute tomagnetic head wear. To prevent this, a gap adjustment means capable ofmoving the media presser and/or the magnetic head is preferablyprovided. This gap adjustment means should, further, be capable ofoperating in at least two positions: a no-gap position wherein the mediapresser presses against the detection surface of the magnetic headduring MICR code reading, and a gap position wherein there is a gapbetween the media presser and the detection surface of the magnetic headwhen the MICR code is not being read, e.g., during printing operations.

[0036] The gap adjustment means may be a means operated by a plunger orother drive mechanism, or may be linked to the operation of the printhead. By linking operation to print head operation, the gap adjustmentmeans can be achieved without adding additional drive or controlmechanisms. For example, it is possible to move the print head widthwiseto the paper path outside the available printing range at one side ofthe paper, and to move the media presser and/or magnetic head inconjunction with this movement.

[0037] When the media presser or magnetic head is thus moved, the gapadjustment means is preferably constituted by means of a non-magneticmember to minimize any fluctuation in the magnetic field near thedetection surface of the magnetic head. A cover is also preferablyprovided between the paper path and the top of the magnetic head ormedia presser to prevent paper chaff from entering the gap openedbetween the magnetic head and media presser.

[0038] To further improve the MICR code recognition rate, a path membercurving the paper path in the direction of paper travel may be providedas part of the paper path, and the magnetic head positioned at thiscurve in the path. Tension can thus be applied by this curve in the pathto straighten and remove any wrinkles or creases in the cut-sheet form.

[0039] It is also necessary to reduce magnetic noise to further improvethe MICR code recognition rate. Noise can occur easily when there aresignals in which the intensity or polarity of the magnetic force varies,such as from the stepping motors used to drive the apparatus. Suchmagnetic noise can be greatly reduced by stopping all motors exceptthose required for paper transport during MICR code reading, and can befurther reduced by covering the drive motors of the transport means witha ferromagnetic shield member. This shield member may be a simplebox-like member of which the corners are formed from an integral,seamless component. This is because magnetic noise leakage will increasegreatly when there are gaps at the corners. By also providing a highmagnetic permeability shield at a position before and opposite thedetection surface of the magnetic head, or after said magnetic head, theflux density in the area around the magnetic head can be reduced, andmagnetic noise can thereby be cut significantly.

[0040] The paper path should also be made as short as possible as ameans of reducing the size of an integrated processing apparatusaccording to the present invention. The paper path can be shortened byreducing the gap between the magnetic head and the print head. Byadditionally using a transport means capable of advancing the cut-sheetform in either direction (forward and reverse) in the paper path, asingle paper path can also be used for both the printing and MICR codereading processes. As a result, an integrated processing apparatus ofthe present invention can be contained more compactly.

[0041] When detecting the MICR code before printing, it is furthermorepreferable to detect the MICR code while advancing the cut-sheet form ina first direction through the paper path, obtain the print startposition based on the distance the cut-sheet form is advanced tocomplete MICR code reading, and then control cut-sheet formtransportation accordingly. The cut-sheet form can therefore initiallypositioned to the print head based on the MICR code detection timing,and thus indexed to the print head with good precision.

[0042] During MICR code reading it is also preferable to advance thecut-sheet form after the leading edge of the form is detected by a paperdetector or other means disposed at the beginning of the paper pathuntil the leading edge reaches the magnetic head, and then press thecut-sheet form to the magnetic head so that there is no gap between themagnetic head and the media presser during MICR code reading. Whenreading is completed, the gap between the magnetic head and mediapresser is then opened.

[0043] Furthermore, when there is a form stopper moving in and out ofthe paper path at the entry thereto for temporarily stopping the entryof the cut-sheet form to the paper path, the magnet disposed to thepaper path for remagnetizing the magnetic pattern of the cut-sheet formis preferably provided on the inside of the paper path from the formstopper, i.e., on the magnetic head side of the form stopper. Becausethe condition of the paper path up to the form stopper cannot beassured, this magnet is preferably placed downstream from the formstopper to accomplish reliable remagnetization. Because other magneticcards may also be accidentally placed near the opening to the paperpath, placing the magnet downstream from the form stopper also serves toprevent functional impairment of such cards.

[0044] Moreover, by placing the magnetic head facing one side of thecut-sheet forms traveling through the paper path, and placing the printhead in a position enabling printing to the other side of the samecut-sheet form, an integrated processing apparatus ideally suited toprocessing personal checks having an MICR code imprinted on one side andthe endorsement printed to the other side. Furthermore, because thedirection of the MICR code and the printing direction of the endorsementare typically roughly perpendicular to each other, the MICR code readingdirection and the endorsement printing direction are, in this case,preferably perpendicular to each other.

[0045] The transport distance of the cut-sheet form can also beshortened by providing the magnetic head on the cut-sheet form insertionside of the print head because MICR code reading is completed beforeendorsement printing.

[0046] To further achieve the above object an information detectionapparatus for recording media processing according to the presentinvention comprises a data detection means for detecting informationrecorded on a recording medium while in contact with the recordingmedium, a presser for pressing the recording medium against the datadetection means, a presser moving means for holding and setting thepresser to either a pressing position at which the presser pressesagainst the recording medium or an open position at which the presserdoes not press against the recording medium, and a transportationmechanism for transporting the recording medium in a first direction inwhich the recording medium travels from the transportation mechanismtoward the data detection means, and a second direction that is oppositethe first direction. With this configuration the presser is set to theopen position when the recording medium is transported in the firstdirection, and is set to the pressing position at least while therecording medium is transported in the second direction during detectionof the information recorded to the recording medium.

[0047] The above recording medium information detection apparatusfurther preferably comprises a printing mechanism disposed between thedata detection means and the transportation mechanism for printing tothe recording medium. In this case the presser is set to the pressingposition when the recording medium is transported in the seconddirection for printing by the printing mechanism.

[0048] The invention also provides an information detection apparatusfor processing recording media which have information recorded in aparticular area on the surface thereof This is accomplished by means ofan insertion opening through which the recording medium is inserted tothe transportation path, a transportation mechanism for transporting therecording medium inserted from the insertion opening through thetransportation path in both forward and reverse directions, a printingmechanism comprising a print head for printing to the recording medium,and a reading mechanism comprising a detection means for detecting theparticular information recorded to the recording medium. These means aredisposed in the preceding sequence along a paper transportation paththrough which the recording medium is transported. In this case apresser roller is disposed to the reading mechanism such that when therecording medium is transported forward toward the reading mechanismsaid presser roller separates from the detection means, and therecording medium is pressed by the presser roller against the detectionmeans, the reading mechanism reads the particular information, and theprinting mechanism executes a printing process for printing to therecording medium when the recording medium is transported in theopposite direction.

[0049] It is preferable in this case for the printing process to beexecuted to the side of the recording medium opposite that on which theparticular information is recorded. It is also preferable for the papertransportation path to be constructed so that the recording medium doesnot curve.

[0050] Furthermore, it is preferable for the detection means to be amagnetic head when particular information is recorded in magnetic ink.It is preferable in this case for the contact between the presser rollerand recording medium to be established by a self-hold solenoid such thatmagnetic noise is not produced while reading the particular information.

[0051] With an information detection apparatus for recording mediaprocessing thus comprised, the recording medium is transported by thetransportation mechanism through the paper transportation path alongwhich are disposed in sequence from the insertion opening thetransportation mechanism, printing mechanism, and reading mechanism toposition the recording medium between the detection means and presserroller of the reading mechanism. The presser roller is then operated topress the recording medium against the detection means while therecording medium is pulled by the transportation mechanism to straightenwrinkles and sagging in the recording medium at the same time theinformation recorded on the recording medium is read and a printingprocess is executed. Reading errors and printing errors can thus bereduced.

[0052] This operation also makes it possible to execute the printingprocess according to the information read from the recording medium,thereby enabling a process including plural steps, such as validationchecking and endorsement printing dependent upon the validation result,to be completed with a single sequence of operations for a particularrecording medium such as a check or negotiable instrument.

[0053] After the printing process is completed the recording medium isejected from the insertion opening. The insertion opening and ejectionposition are thus the same, thereby facilitating operation and enablinganother piece of office equipment to be placed in the space above theinformation detection apparatus for recording media processing.

[0054] The recording media processed by this type of recording mediuminformation detection apparatus are commonly checks and other types ofnegotiable instruments. Endorsement printing can therefore beaccomplished by arranging the printing mechanism to print on the side ofthe recording medium opposite that to which the particular informationread by the reading mechanism is recorded.

[0055] Furthermore, if the paper transportation path is arranged in astraight line so that the recording medium does not curve, the componentmechanisms can be disposed in close proximity. This makes it possible toprocess checks and other similarly small negotiable instruments, andreduces the potential for paper jams.

[0056] The particular information read by the reading mechanism fromchecks and other types of negotiable instruments is also commonlyrecorded using magnetic ink. This makes it possible to use a magnetichead as the detection means. If contact between the presser roller andrecording medium is established by a self-hold solenoid in this case, itis only necessary to supply current to the self-hold solenoid when it isnecessary to move the presser roller. The current flow can therefore bestopped when the presser roller is held pressed to the detection means,thereby preventing magnetic noise when reading the information recordedwith magnetic ink.

[0057] Other objects and attainments together with a fullerunderstanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated byreferring to the following description and claims taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] In the drawings wherein like reference symbols refer to likeparts.

[0059]FIG. 1 is an overview showing an integrated processing apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention based on aprinter;

[0060]FIG. 2 is a disassembled view of an integrated processingapparatus shown in FIG. 1 providing a view of the magnetic head disposedto the paper path;

[0061]FIG. 3 is a cross section of an integrated processing apparatusshown in FIG. 1;

[0062]FIG. 4(a) is a cross section, and FIG. 4(b) is a side view, ofprimarily the drive system of an integrated processing apparatus shownin FIG. 1;

[0063] FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are used for a comparison of the structure ofthe motor shield;

[0064]FIG. 6(a) is a top view, and FIG. 6(b) is a side cross section ofan enlarged view of the area around the magnetic head of an integratedprocessing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the media presser separatedfrom the magnetic head;

[0065]FIG. 7(a) is a top view, and FIG. 7(b) is a side cross section ofan enlarged view of the area around the magnetic head of an integratedprocessing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the media presser pressed tothe magnetic head;

[0066] FIGS. 8(a)-8(c) are used to describe the operation of the mediapresser shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 by means of print head movement;

[0067]FIG. 9(a) is a top cross section, and FIG. 9(b) is a side crosssection, of the enlarged area around the magnetic head in an integratedprocessing apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0068]FIG. 10 is a top cross section of the enlarged area around themagnetic head in an integrated processing apparatus according to afurther alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0069]FIG. 11 is a top cross section of the enlarged area around themagnetic head in an integrated processing apparatus according to afurther alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0070]FIG. 12 is a function block diagram of an integrated processingapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[0071]FIG. 13 is a control block diagram of an integrated processingapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

[0072]FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a first control method according to thepresent invention;

[0073]FIG. 15 is a continuation of the flow chart of a first controlmethod according to the present invention;

[0074]FIG. 16 is a flow chart of the MICR code reading process executedin the printer shown in the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0075]FIG. 17 is a continuation of the flow chart of the MICR codereading process executed in the printer shown in the preferredembodiment of the invention;

[0076]FIG. 18 is a flow chart of the check ejection process in theprinter shown in the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0077]FIG. 19 is a flow chart of the process transporting the check tothe re-read position in the printer shown in the preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

[0078]FIG. 20 is a continuation of the flow chart of the processtransporting the check to the re-read position in the printer shown inthe preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0079]FIG. 21 is a continuation of the flow chart of the processtransporting the check to the re-read position in the printer shown inthe preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0080]FIG. 22 is a flow chart of the re-send command process in theprinter shown in the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0081]FIG. 23 is a flow chart of the check processing operation usingthe printer shown in the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0082]FIG. 24 is a flow chart of a second control method according tothe present invention;

[0083]FIG. 25 is a side view of a recording media information detectionapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0084]FIG. 26 is a plan view of a recording media information detectionapparatus shown in FIG. 25;

[0085]FIG. 27 is used to describe the operation of the recording mediainformation detection apparatus shown in FIG. 25;

[0086]FIG. 28 is used to describe the relative positions of majorcomponents in the recording media information detection apparatus shownin FIG. 25;

[0087]FIG. 29 is used to describe the operation of a recording mediainformation detection apparatus according to another example of thesecond embodiment of the present invention;

[0088]FIG. 30 is used to describe the relative positions of majorcomponents in the recording media information detection apparatus shownin FIG. 29;

[0089]FIG. 31 is a simplified side view of a recording media informationdetection apparatus; and

[0090]FIG. 32 is used to describe another example of the secondembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0091] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is describedbelow with reference to the accompanying figures.

First embodiment

[0092] The preferred embodiments of an integrated processing apparatusaccording to the present invention are described hereinbelow based on aprinting apparatus. The printing apparatus on which an integratedprocessing apparatus of the invention is based is capable of housing tworolls of printer paper for journal and receipt printing, respectively,and enables a cut-sheet form (slip form) to be inserted from below themain unit for printing. Printing apparatuses of this type are commonlyused in POS stations, and can be found in retail stores, hotels, andother business establishments.

Overall Structure

[0093] An overview of an integrated processing apparatus according tothe present invention based on a printing apparatus is shown in FIG. 1.An integrated processing apparatus of the invention is referred tosimply as a printer below. Referring to FIG. 1, the printer 10 of thepresent invention accomplishes journal printing, receipt printing, andslip printing by moving print head 13 along guide shaft 12 extendingfrom side to side in main housing 11. Print head 13 is typically a wiredot head whereby printing is accomplished by driving the dot wires inprint head 13 against platen 14 to print on roll paper 15 or cut-sheetform 16. Print head 13 is moved by a print head drive means using atiming belt or stepping motor, and travels side to side across platen 14to print at a specified position on roll paper 15 or cut-sheet form 16.

[0094] Roll paper 15 or cut-sheet form 16 is advanced by a paper feedmechanism comprising a group of feed rollers or stepping motor(s) asdescribed below in a direction perpendicular to the direction of printhead movement. Roll paper 15 is set in the back 11 b of main housing 11,and is guided between platen 14 and print head 13 to the top 11 c ofmain housing 11. Note that the printer 10 of the present invention canaccommodate two rolls of paper 15, enabling both journal printing forstore records and receipt printing for customer receipts.

[0095] The printer 10 of the present invention is also equipped toprocess cut-sheet forms 16, including personal checks to which an MICRcode is imprinted. The cut-sheet form 16 is inserted from paperinsertion opening 21 provided at the front 11 a of main housing 11,guided through the paper path, which is described below, between printhead 13 and platen 14 for MICR code reading and then printing, and thenejected from top 11 c of the printer after printing is completed.

[0096] Note that personal check 16 is hereafter used as the cut-sheetform for explanation only. As described above, the account number of theuser, a serial tracking number, routing codes, and other information isimprinted to one side 16 a of personal check 16 using MICR code 17. Thecharacter shape and print quality of the MICR code are standardized, asis the printing position on the check. It is therefore possible tooutput from the magnetic head a signal corresponding to the MICR code byscanning this known region of the personal check with the magnetic head,and the MICR code printed to the check can be recognized by analyzingthe output waveform. Note that before the check is scanned by themagnetic head, the magnet is directed to the area to which the MICR codeis printed to remagnetize the ink and enable recognition.

[0097] The payment amount and the signature of the payer (the personwriting the check) are also recorded to the one side 16 a of personalcheck 16. Personal check 16 is endorsed by printing the date, time,store name, amount, and/or other information (endorsement data 18) tothe second side 16 b of the check. When the cashier receives a personalcheck, the validity of the check is first confirmed by scanning the MICRcode data, and valid checks are then endorsed as described in the above.

[0098] With the printer 10 shown in FIG. 1, personal check 16 isinserted with second side 16 b facing up to enable endorsement printing18 by print head 13. It follows that personal check 16 is inserted withthe side to which MICR code 17 is imprinted face down. Because the printposition of the MICR code is standardized and is referenced to thebottom edge of the personal check, the personal check is inserted to theprinter 10 shown in FIG. 1, facing down with the bottom of the personalcheck to the right side of the paper insertion opening 21. In a printerof an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the homeposition for printing is defined relative to the right side end of thepaper path and the front surface of form stopper 25, i.e. cut sheetsetting position 26 in FIG. 3, thus performing printing on a personalcheck in succession to MICR reading without ejection therebetween. Inthe printer of the present invention, the right end of a paper path isdefined as the common reference position for both printing and MICRreading. When an operator sets a form to the printer with its right edgeabutted to the common paper guide, printing can be performed on theright place of the form. Further, if the form is a personal check withMICR code recorded, MICR reading can be performed successfully becausethe distance between the magnetic head and the common paper guide isexactly the same as one between MICR codes and the right side edge,namely the bottom of personal checks.

[0099]FIG. 2 is an overview of printer 10 with printer unit 10 a,including print head 13. The arrangement of the essential components ofpaper path 20 through which the cut-sheet forms, i.e., personal checks,are transported is described below with reference to FIG. 2. This paperpath 20 directs the forms from the bottom paper insertion opening 21 towhich the forms are inserted to print head 13 at top. The bottom surfaceof paper path 20 therefore has a gentle upward-curving slope 22.Disposed along slope 22 in sequence from paper insertion opening 21 are:cut-sheet form loading roller 23, paper detector 24, form stopper 25,magnet 32 for remagnetizing the MICR code, and magnetic head 31 fordetecting the MICR code.

[0100] Note that magnet 32 and magnetic head 31 for MICR code readingare disposed to the right side of slope 22. As a result, when a personalcheck is inserted to the printer 10 of the present embodiment with theMICR code correctly aligned to the right side of paper insertion opening21, the MICR code passes over the magnet 32 and magnetic head 31 as thecheck is advanced through the paper path.

[0101] Because personal checks and other cut-sheet forms (slip forms)are always inserted aligned to the right side of the paper path, thepaper detector 24 is positioned where it can detect the top right cornerof the form inserted to paper insertion opening 21 in the direction ofthe arrow in FIG. 2.

Paper Oath

[0102]FIG. 3 is a side cross section showing the paper path of theprinter 10 of the present embodiment. Roll paper 15 passes through rollpaper path 40, held by roll paper transportation rollers 41 a, 41 b, andadvanced thereby in the direction of arrow A. Roll paper 15 is thusguided through roll paper path 40 between platen 14 and print head 13,which can thus print to the roll paper. Roll paper transportationrollers 41 a, 41 b are typically driven by a stepping motor, the drivepower of which is transferred to roll paper transportation rollers 41 a,41 b by gears or some other roll paper transportation drive powertransfer means (not shown in the figures).

[0103] Personal checks and other cut-sheet forms can be inserted throughpaper path 20 to between platen 14 and print head 13. Personal check 16is similarly held by cut-sheet form transportation roller 29 andcut-sheet form loading roller 23, and can be transported thereby in bothforward and reverse directions (directions indicated by arrows B and Cin FIG. 3). Transportation roller 29 and loading roller 23 are alsodriven by a stepping motor 45 as described below.

[0104] Stepping motor 45 is also used to drive roll paper transportationrollers 41 a, 41 b. The stepping motor used as the drive source forpaper transportation is therefore connected to the drive power transfermechanism for advancing the roll paper, and to the drive power transfermechanism for advancing cut-sheet form, through a drive power transfersystem switching mechanism comprising plungers, for example. The drivepower from a single stepping motor can therefore be transferred toeither of the power transfer mechanisms as needed.

[0105] Personal check 16 is not normally preloaded to the printer, butis inserted to paper insertion opening 21 for loading when printing isrequired. The operation of this loading mechanism is described in detailbelow following the normal sequence executed to load personal check 16.

[0106] When the operator inserts personal check 16 to form stopper 25,the right side of the leading edge of personal check 16 is detected bycut-sheet form paper detector 24, which accordingly outputs acorresponding “paper detected” signal. A photo-sensor is used in thisembodiment as cut-sheet form paper detector 24.

[0107] The position of the right side leading edge of personal check 16,i.e., the position of the form stopper, is referred to below ascut-sheet form insertion position 26. From this position, form stopper25 is retracted outside cut-sheet form paper path 20, personal check 16is held by cut-sheet form loading rollers 23, and is advanced thedistance d1 from cut-sheet form insertion position 26 to cut-sheet formtransportation rollers 29. Personal check 16 is then advanced distanced2 from cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29 to cut-sheet form printstart position 27 by means of cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29and loading rollers 23. Printing to personal check 16 is enabled at thispoint.

[0108] At least one of cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 is movable inthe directions of arrows D and E by means of a loading roller closingmechanism comprising a plunger or other means and not shown in thefigures. The operation of form stopper 25 is linked to the operation ofcut-sheet form loading rollers 23 such that form stopper 25 also movesin the directions of arrows G and F in conjunction with the movement ofloading roller 23 in the directions D and E, respectively. Morespecifically, when the loading roller closing mechanism is open, i.e.,when personal check 16 is not held by cut-sheet form loading rollers 23,one cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is moved in the direction of arrowE and form stopper 25 is simultaneously moved in the direction of arrowF, thereby closing paper path 20.

[0109] Conversely, when the loading roller closing mechanism is closed,i.e., when personal check 16 is held by cut-sheet form loading rollers23, one cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is moved in the direction ofarrow D and form stopper 25 is simultaneously retracted from paper path20 in the direction of arrow G. When personal check 16 is loaded fromcut-sheet form insertion position 26 in the direction of arrow B tocut-sheet form print start position 27, and when reversed in thedirection of arrow C, the loading roller closing mechanism is closed.Thus when the loading roller closing mechanism is closed, cut-sheet formloading roller 23 is moved in the direction of arrow D to hold andtransport personal check 16.

[0110] When personal check 16 is present at the point to which formstopper 25 enters the paper path, the loading roller closing mechanismis open with form stopper 25 raised in the direction of arrow F into thecut-sheet form paper path. When thus raised, form stopper 25 alsopresses against personal check 16 in cut-sheet form paper path 20. Formstopper 25, however, serves to obstruct the paper path when cut-sheetform insertion is inappropriate, and is therefore pressed in thedirection of arrow F by means of a weak spring. The force of formstopper 25 against personal check 16 inside paper path 20 when theloading roller closing mechanism is open is therefore sufficiently weak,and does not hinder transportation of personal check 16.

[0111] MICR code reading magnetic head 31 is also disposed to cut-sheetform paper path 20 such that the magnetic ink code passes over magnetichead 31 when a personal check 16 is fed through cut-sheet form paperpath 20. Magnet 32 is disposed at a position exposed to cut-sheet formpaper path 20 to remagnetize the magnetic ink of the MICR code beforethe MICR code reaches magnetic head 31.

[0112] As personal check 16 is transported through paper path 20 bycut-sheet form loading rollers 23, the check first passes magnet 32, andthe magnetic ink of the MICR code imprinted to the check surface isthereby magnetized. Personal check 16 then passes magnetic head 31,which is disposed to slope 22 at a position facing the surface ofpersonal check 16, and detects the MICR code.

[0113] The printer of the present embodiment also comprises mediapresser 33, which projects into paper path 20 from the side thereofopposite magnetic head 31. As a result, when personal check 16 passesmagnetic head 31, media presser 33 holds the surface of personal check16 firmly against magnetic head 31 to enable error-free MICR codedetection. Media presser 33 is also able to move in the direction ofarrow J in this embodiment, and thereby presses personal check 16against magnetic head 31 during MICR code reading, but is separated frommagnetic head 31 at all other times to eliminate resistance to personalcheck 16 transportation.

[0114] Media presser 33 and the drive mechanism therefor are describedin further detail below.

Drive Mechanism

[0115]FIG. 4(a) is a side cross section of the mechanism of the printerof the present embodiment for transporting cut-sheet forms, and FIG.4(b) is a rear cross section view of the same.

[0116] Transportation of personal check 16 inserted to paper path 20 isdriven by paper feed stepping motor 45, which is disposed at back 11 bof printer 10. Drive gear 44 is driven by stepping motor 45, and drivesgear set 46 to operate cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29 locatedin paper path 20 near platen 14. Cut-sheet form transportation rollers29 and loading rollers 23, and cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29and presser roller 34 (which forms media presser 33), are respectivelyconnected by transportation belts 47 and 48. As a result, cut-sheet formloading rollers 23 and presser roller 34 start and stop synchronized tocut-sheet form transportation rollers 29, and operate at an equal papertransportation speed. As a result, personal check 16 inside paper path20 is transported at the same speed whether it is transported bycut-sheet form loading rollers 23 alone, or by cut-sheet form loadingrollers 23, cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29, and presser roller34.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 4(b), stepping motor 45 of the presentembodiment is protected by shield 52 on the sides and bottom. Shield 52is made from a ferromagnetic or high magnetic permeability material suchas permalloy, ferrite, or iron as a means of suppressing magneticleakage from stepping motor 45. Shield 51, similarly made from aferromagnetic or high magnetic permeability material, is provided on thesame side as media presser 33 opposite magnetic head 31. By providingthis shield 51, noise flux from external sources can be focused on theshield, and the flux density in front of magnetic head 31 resulting fromexternal fields is reduced. Magnetic noise leaking from stepping motor45 and other sources is thus suppressed by shield 51.

[0118] The box-like shield 52 covering stepping motor 45 is formed byshaping a high magnetic permeability sheet or ferromagnetic sheetmaterial. The corners of the box are shaped as shown in FIG. 5(b) toprevent magnetic leakage. When there is a gap at the corners of theshield, excessive magnetic noise can escape from the inside the shield.By forming seamless corners permitting no gap, however, there will beminimal magnetic noise leakage even if there are seams or through-holesfor the motor shaft on the flat members of the shield. This latter caseis the result of the saturation flux characteristics of the crosssections of the two materials forming the gap being equal.

[0119] It is to be noted that shield 52 is constituted as shown in FIG.5(b) to prevent the effects of magnetic noise leakage.

[0120] The printer of the present embodiment is also able to vary thespeed of the stepping motor driving the rollers. A single stepping motorcan therefore be used to achieve both the mechanism for advancing checksfor MICR code reading, and the mechanism for advancing checks forprinting. A paper transportation speed of approximately 70˜90 mm/sec isdesirable for printing because faster paper transportation speeds canresult in a shifting print position and poor print quality, and themechanism required to achieve a high precision stopping position isexpensive.

[0121] A paper transportation speed of approximately 100 mm/sec orgreater is desirable for MICR code reading, though the actual speed isalso dependent upon the MICR code format and the magnetic head detectioncharacteristics. This transportation speed is the speed used incurrently available MICR code analyzers to obtain the requiredrecognition rate during interpretation of the signal output by themagnetic head.

[0122] As a result, the printer of the present embodiment can transportthe personal checks at the speed most appropriate to the executingfunction by simply varying the speed of the stepping motor. It is to benoted that means other than varying the speed of the stepping motor canalso be used, including a means of changing the reduction ratio bychanging the gear set used for transportation during MICR code reading,and the gear set used for transportation during check printing.

[0123] Note, further, that stepping motor 45 is also controlled tooperate at a predetermined speed in two directions. More specifically,the printer 10 of the present embodiment can move personal check 16 inthe directions of both arrows B and C as shown in FIG. 3 by means ofcut-sheet form loading rollers 23 and transportation rollers 29. By thusenabling personal check 16 to be transported through the paper path ineither direction, MICR code reading can be performed when the check isadvanced in on direction, and printing can be performed when the checkis advanced in the other direction. A single paper path can thus be usedfor two processes, and the total paper path length can be reduced. Evenwhen printing and MICR code reading are accomplished while moving thecheck in the same direction, the same paper path can be used for bothprocesses by back-feeding the check between MICR code reading andprinting. By thus advancing the check in two directions, the size of theapparatus combining these two functions can also be reduced.

[0124] Note, further, that magnetic head 31 is disposed to paper path 20between cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 and cut-sheet formtransportation rollers 29 in the printer of the present embodiment. As aresult, when personal check 16 passing through paper path 20 passesmagnetic head 31, personal check 16 is held by one and/or both of thesetwo roller sets, cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 and cut-sheet formtransportation rollers 29. Furthermore, because cut-sheet form loadingrollers 23 and cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29 aresynchronously driven, personal check 16 can be held and transported at aconsistent, stable speed by said rollers 23 and 29. Therefore, even ifthere is some resistance in the paper path, the speed of the cut-sheetform passing magnetic head 31 will be stable, and the MICR code can beread with high precision.

[0125] If magnetic head 31 is provided between these rollers 23 and 29,magnetic head 31 will be on the paper insertion opening 21 side of paperpath 20 relative to print head 13. As a result, the validity of personalcheck 16 can be confirmed by scanning the MICR code, and endorsementprinting can be executed after the check is determined valid. Processingpersonal checks is thus more efficient with an integrated processingapparatus of the present embodiment because magnetic head 31 and printhead 13 are arrayed in the sequence of normal check processing.

[0126] If magnetic head 31 is on the paper insertion opening 21 side ofthe print head 13, magnet 32 for magnetizing the MICR code is also onthe paper insertion opening 21 side of magnetic head 31. Morespecifically, magnetic head 31 is in the printer of the presentembodiment positioned in the paper path 20 on the magnetic head 31 sideof form stopper 25, i.e., in paper path 20 between form stopper 25 andmagnetic head 31. This is because the area outside form stopper 25 isthe area to which the check is set by the operator, and the path throughwhich the check passes is not constant. It therefore follows that if themagnet 32 is placed outside of form stopper 25, the MICR code may not beproperly magnetized, and the MICR code cannot be recognized with goodprecision. However, by placing magnet 32 inside from form stopper 25,the MICR code imprinted to personal check 16 will reliably pass magnet32, and can therefore be reliably read.

[0127] Note, also, that paper insertion opening 21 to the paper path isopen with a relatively wide angle to facilitate inserting personal check16, and this area may also be used by the operator to place credit cardsor other objects. If magnet 32 is provided inside from form stopper 25as described in the present embodiment, the data recorded to themagnetic strip of the credit card cannot be damaged by magnet 32 becauseform stopper 25 stops accidental entry of the credit card to the paperpath.

[0128] For magnetic head 31 to read the MICR code with high precision,it is essential to minimize any magnetic noise, one source of which isthe variable intensity and polarity field leaking from the steppingmotor. To minimize as many possible sources of magnetic noise aspossible, all motors other than the stepping motor 45 transportingpersonal check 16 are stopped by the printer of the present embodimentduring MICR code reading. The sides and bottom of stepping motor 45 arealso covered by shield 52 to reduce magnetic noise leakage.

[0129] Magnetic head 31 is also covered by shield 53, and shield 51 isprovided in front of magnetic head 31. As a result, a low magnetic fluxdensity space is created by magnetic shields 51 and 53 around magnetichead 31, the effects of magnetic noise are minimized even when magneticnoise is conducted along the motor shaft or passes the shields, andstable, high precision MICR code reading can be accomplished.

[0130] To further increase the MICR code recognition rate, the area towhich the MICR code is imprinted should preferably be held tight to themagnetic head because the gap between the magnetic head and the MICRcode will vary if the inserted check has been folded or wrinkled. Byproviding media presser 33 opposite the magnetic head 31 in the printeraccording to the present embodiment, however, the area to which the MICRcode is imprinted is held tight to the magnetic head 31.

[0131] This media presser mechanism is described in detail below.

Media Presser Mechanism

[0132] The area around magnetic head 31 is shown enlarged in FIGS. 6(a),6(b), 7(a) and 7(b). FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) shows the state wherein mediapresser 33 is separated from detection surface 31 a of magnetic head 31,and there is a gap between media presser 33 and detection surface 31 a.FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) shows the state in which media presser 33 is closedto detection surface 31 a, and there is therefore no gap therebetween.Note, also, that FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 7(a) are cross sections showing thearea around magnetic head 31 as viewed from above the printer alongpaper path 20, and FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 7(b) are cross sections from theside of the printer perpendicular to paper path 20.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), media presser 33 of the presentembodiment comprises a presser roller 34, which is driven synchronizedto cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29. Presser roller 34 pressesthe check against magnetic head 31 so that the area to which the MICRcode is imprinted is pressed against magnetic head 31. Presser roller 34is positioned opposite to detection surface 31 a, which is the frontface of magnetic head 31, connected by shaft 36 to belt 47 (FIGS. 4(a)and 4(b)), and driven in synchronization with the transportationrollers.

[0134] Shaft 36 is mounted to lift lever 57, and a torsion coil spring35 is provided pushing shaft 36 away from lift lever 57 in the directionof magnetic head 31. A plastic sleeve 56 is provided on shaft 36 at thepoint contacted by the end of torsion coil spring 35, and shaft 36 isdependably pushed by torsion coil spring 35. Sleeve 56 also preventsdirect contact between torsion coil spring 35 and shaft 36, therebyreducing wear on both and preventing trouble resulting from damage tothe spring or shaft.

[0135] The lift lever 57 that is part of media presser 33 is connectedto the printer frame enabling lift lever 57 to rotate freely around asingle point 57 a at the top of lift lever 57. The bottom of lift lever57 is connected to the printer frame by means of spring 55 connected toshield 51. Thus, when the back of lift lever 57 is pressed by switchinglever 58 from the side opposite presser roller 34, lift lever 57 rotatesagainst spring 55, and presser roller 34 is moved in the direction ofarrow J through window 20 a provided in paper path 20. As result,presser roller 34 projects into the paper path, and the check in thepaper path is pressed against detection surface 31 a of the magnetichead.

[0136] The hole 57 b of lift lever 57 in which shaft 36 is mounted is anoval hole to permit movement of shaft 36, and can thus absorb any errorin the installation angle of detection surface 31 a. Specifically, thetension of torsion coil spring 35 presses presser roller 34 against thecheck, and the check against the detection surface 31 a, and shaft 36moves inside hole 57 b to assure tight contact between these components.

[0137] Switching lever 58 comprises two arms 58 a and 58 b extending onboth sides thereof, and is mounted to shield 51 such that the axis ofrotation of switching lever 58 is approximately the center of the lever.A plan view and the operation of switching lever 58 are shown in FIGS.8(a)-8(c). Note that switching lever 58 is installed to shield 51provided opposite magnetic head 31 in this embodiment, but may also beinstalled to the printer frame.

[0138] The end of one arm 58 a extends in the direction of magnetic head31 to press the back of lift lever 57, and the other arm 58 b is pulledby spring 59 toward shield 51. Switching lever 58 also comprisesoperating arm 58 c contacting projection 13 a extending from the bottomof print head 13 above. As a result, when print head 13 moves in thedirection of arrow K, projection 13 a contacts operating arm 58 c,rotates switching lever 58, and presses the back of lift lever 57 bymeans of angle 58 d on the end of switching lever 58. As a result, liftlever 57 rotates toward paper path 20 against spring 55 as shown inFIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), and presser roller 34 is forced against magnetichead detection surface 31 a. When print head 13 moves in the directionof arrow L, switching lever 58 is returned to the open position byspring 59, and lift lever 57 is returned to the position shown in FIGS.6(a) and 6(b) by spring 55. As a result, presser roller 34 is retractedfrom paper path 20, and a gap is opened between presser roller 34 andmagnetic head detection surface 31 a. Note that operation of switchinglever 58 is dependent upon the direction of print head 13 movement, andthe movement position of print head 13 at which switching lever 58operates is set outside the normal printing area. As a result, printhead 13 moves to this area and switching lever 58 is operated onlyduring MICR code reading.

[0139] A cover 50 is also provided above presser roller 34 in theprinter of the present embodiment to close the gap between presserroller 34 and paper path 20 and prevent paper chaff or other dust andforeign matter from entering the paper path and clinging to presserroller 34. More specifically, because there are times when presserroller 34 is operated and there is a gap between presser roller 34 andmagnetic head 31, cover 50 is provided to prevent paper chaff or otherdust and foreign matter from entering this gap and soiling orobstructing the detection surface of magnetic head 31. Cover 50 therebyhelps assure reliable presser roller 34 operation, and dependable MICRcode reading.

[0140] The operation of magnetic head 31 and switching lever 58 isdescribed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8(a)-8(c), a view ofswitching lever 58 installed to shield 51 from the magnetic head sidethereof As shown in FIG. 8(a), print head 13 normally moves through theprinting range (arrow W) widthwise to the paper path. When a personalcheck is placed in the printer for MICR code reading, print head 13 ismoved by the timing belt outside the printing range W to the edge of thepaper path in the direction of arrow K. As shown in FIG. 8(b),projection 13 a from the bottom of print head 13 contacts operating arm58 c of switching lever 58 as print head 13 moves. As print head 13continues to move to the edge of the paper path, the movement of printhead 13 causes switching lever 58 to rotate as shown in FIG. 8(c), andarm 58 a, on the end of which is angle 58 d, descends. As a result, liftlever 57 pushes angle 58 d as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b), and presserroller 34 is pressed to magnetic head 31.

[0141] When MICR code reading is completed, print head 13 moves in thedirection of arrow L, and thus returns to the printing range W.Switching lever 58 is thus re-rotated to the original position by spring59, and angle 58 d rotates up. As a result, lift lever 57 also returnsto the original position, and presser roller 34 is separated frommagnetic head 31. By setting the tension of spring 59 relatively weak,the load acting on print head 13 is also reduced when switching lever 58accomplishes the media presser opening/closing operation. However, ifspring 59 is weak, switching lever 58 may not return with the force ofspring 59 alone because of the repeated wear on the spring duringswitching lever 58 and lift lever 57 operation. To resolve this,switching lever 58 further comprises a slight projection 58 e toward theprint head on the arm 58 b end of switching lever 58 as shown in FIGS.8(a)-8(c). Thus, when print head 13 returns to the normal position,projection 13 a contacts projection 58 e and assists the return ofswitching lever 58. This projection 58 e is constituted to not contactprojection 13 a when print head 13 travels through the printing range W.As a result, projection 58 e does not interfere with projection 13 a ofprint head 13 when print head 13 travels through the normal printingrange W, and printing can thus proceed smoothly.

[0142] As previously described, magnetic noise is preferably reducedduring MICR code reading. The magnetic conditions around print head 13should preferably also not change to enable stable MICR code reading.The means used to operate presser roller 34 in the present embodiment,i.e., lift lever 57 and switching lever 58, is therefore preferably madefrom a non-magnetic stainless steel member, and the axle of presserroller 34 is preferably brass to reduce wear. It is to be noted,however, that the present invention shall not be limited to thesematerials, and any non-magnetic material, including aluminum, may beused.

[0143] The printer of the present embodiment reduces resistance topersonal check transportation, and thereby prevents checks frommeandering or jamming and enables reliable MICR code reading, by drivingpresser roller 34 pressing the personal check to the magnetic headsynchronized to cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 and cut-sheet formtransportation rollers 29. Because the check is then pressed againstmagnetic head 31 by the presser roller only during MICR code reading,the amount of time the check is pressed against the detection surface ofthe magnetic head can be minimized, wear and soiling of the magnetichead and media presser can thus be prevented, and reliable MICR codereading can be accomplished. Problems resulting in damage to or soilingof the check or the cut-sheet form can also be prevented. Particularlywhen presser roller operation is synchronized to transportation rolleroperation as in the present embodiment, idle rotation of the presserroller while in contact with the detection surface of the magnetic headcan be prevented by adjusting the gap between the presser roller andmagnetic head.

[0144] Moreover, movement of presser roller 34 is linked to movement ofprint head 13 in the present embodiment. It is therefore not necessaryto provide a separate power source to operate presser roller 34, and theinstallation space and power consumption of this extra power source canbe eliminated. For example, if the force generated by spring 59 is weakenough to allow holding the pressing state by the friction forcegenerated by the contact between angle 58 d and lift lever 57, theholding power can be reduced compared to, for example, a plunger, thusreducing power consumption. The present embodiment is therefore suitedto the compact, integrated printing apparatuses used, for example, inPOS stations. This configuration also makes it possible to eliminateadditional control circuitry for the presser roller 34 because therequired control can be achieved by slightly modifying the control ofprint head 13. It will be obvious that a plunger or other power sourceseparate from that required for the print head can also be used toachieve the above function. It is also possible to move the magnetichead 31 side of the mechanism rather than the media presser, or to moveboth the media presser and the magnetic 30 head. In addition, cut-sheetforms can be consistently advanced by synchronizing presser roller 34with the other transportation rollers, and distortion and jams in thepaper feed direction when the form is pressed to the magnetic head 31can be prevented.

[0145] An alternative embodiment of the media presser 33 of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). In this embodiment mediapresser 33 comprises support member 39 installed at one side of paperpath 20 and extending to a position opposite magnetic head 31, and pads38 a and 38 b at a position opposite magnetic head 31 and at a positionwhere the end of the check can be held. The pressure applied by thesepads 38 a and 38 b can be balanced by adjusting corresponding springs 35a and 35 b. High precision MICR code reading is also possible with themedia presser 33 of the present embodiment because the pads 38 a and 38b press the check to magnetic head 31. Furthermore, because both the endpassing the magnetic head 31 and the other end of personal check 16 arefirmly held by the two pads 38 a and 38 b in separated positions,substantially equal resistance is applied to both ends of the check. Thecheck is therefore held with balanced tension as it passes the magnetichead 31, and the orientation of the check in the paper path 20 will notbecome distorted or biased. It will be obvious that it is also possibleto control the gap between the pads 38 a and 38 b and the magnetic head31 by moving one or both of these as described above with respect toFIGS. 6(a)-6(b) and 7(a) and 7(b).

[0146] High magnetic permeability shields 51 and 53 are also provided ata position opposite the detection surface of magnetic head 31 and behindmagnetic head 31, respectively, in this embodiment. Because the magneticflux density around magnetic head 31 can be reduced by these shields,the effects of external magnetic noise on magnetic head 31 can also besuppressed. In this embodiment, shield 51 placed in front of magnetichead 31 is shaped to cover the magnetic head detection surface 31 a, andthereby further reduce magnetic noise. Note that the shield providedbehind magnetic head 31 may be a flat shield 54.

[0147] Another alternative embodiment of the media presser 33 of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The media presser 33shown in FIG. 10 is substantially identical to the media presser shownin FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b), and is installed to paper path 20 atapproximately the center of support member 39. The media presser 33shown in FIG. 11 comprises a torsion coil spring 35 at approximately thecenter of support member 39 for adjusting the pressure of pads 38 a and38 b. The pressure balance of pads 38 a and 38 b can be adjusted bychanging the position of torsion coil spring 35, i.e., by adjusting thegap between torsion coil spring 35 and the right and left pads 38 a and38 b. It is thereby possible to adjust the resistance of media presser33 to achieve a balance resulting in the least skewing or distortion ofthe check as it passes.

Remagnetization Means

[0148] The paper path 20 of the present embodiment is also formed from aplastic or other magnetic permeability material, and magnet 32 isimbedded at a back side of paper path 20, i.e., at the side of themember forming paper path 20, over the opposite side of which thecut-sheet form passes. By thus disposing magnet 32, magnet 32 can beeasily positioned in the paper path, the surface of the cut-sheet formdoes not directly contact magnet 32, problems such as the cut-sheet formbeing damaged or catching on the magnet can be prevented, and magnet 32will not gradually wear from contact with the paper.

[0149] An electromagnet may also be used for magnet 32 in the presentembodiment, and is magnetized only during MICR code reading. Adhesion offoreign particulate to magnet 32 is thus also reduced, and less foreignmatter will be held by magnet 32. More specifically, even if suchforeign matter adheres to magnet 32 during MICR code reading, themagnetic field is canceled when MICR code reading is completed, and theforeign matter will therefore be cleared from the paper path. It istherefore possible by using an electromagnet for magnet 32 to preventthe adhesion of foreign matter to the surface of magnet 32.

[0150] It is to be noted that magnet 32 can be replaced by a self-biastype magnetic head comprising a magnetism-generating coil in the core ofthe magnetic head. In this case, current is supplied to themagnetism-generating coil to produce a DC bias field only during MICRcode reading, and the change in this field caused by the MICR codecharacters is detected by the gap provided in the magnetic head. Becausethe strength of the bias field generated in this case may be weaker thanthe field strength required with an electromagnet as described above,the effect of preventing adhesion of foreign particulate is reinforced,and both power consumption and heat output can be reduced.

Control Mechanism

[0151]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the functions of a printer accordingto the present embodiment. With this apparatus, the commands inputthrough a communications circuit from host device 1 to command receiver62 are interpreted by command interpreter 63 and then executed bycommand execution means 64.

[0152] Printer mechanism controller 65 controls printer mechanism 90(see FIG. 13) comprising printing means 66, paper transportation means67 for transporting roll paper and cut-sheet forms, cut-sheet formloading mechanism 68 for loading cut-sheet forms to the print startposition, and magnetic ink character reading (MICR) means 69 for readingthe MICR code imprinted to the check (or other cut-sheet form), based onthe instructions input from command execution means 64.

[0153] Under the control of the command execution means, the data readby MICR means 69 is temporarily stored to read data storage means 70,and then converted to character data by read data interpreter 71. Therecognition result is temporarily stored to recognition result storagemeans 72, and is then sent to host device 1 by data transmission means73.

[0154]FIG. 13 is a control block diagram showing the overallconfiguration of the printer used by way of example to describe thepreferred embodiment of the present invention. Note that printermechanism 90 comprises components from various other subsystems,including print head 13 and stepping motor 92, which is the drive powersource for the print head, contained in printing means 66; steppingmotor 45, which is the drive power source for the paper transportationmeans, and paper transportation drive power transfer system switchingmechanism 94 contained in paper transportation means 67; loading rollerclosing mechanism 97 and cut-sheet form paper detector 24 contained incut-sheet form loading mechanism 68; and magnetic head 31 contained inMICR means 69.

[0155] CPU 78 functions as command execution means 64 and read datainterpreter 71 according to the control program stored to ROM 76. RAM 77is used for temporary storage by CPU 78, read data storage means 70, andrecognition result storage means 72. More specifically, read datastorage means 70 converts the character waveforms output by magnetichead 31 to digital data and stores the converted digital data to RAM 77,and recognition result storage means 72 stores the MICR code recognitionresults to RAM 77.

[0156] Interface 75 functions as both command receiver 62 for receivingdata output from host device 1, and as data transmission means 73 fortransferring to host device 1 the MICR code recognition results.

[0157] Print head control circuit 81, print head motor control circuit82, paper transportation motor control circuit 83, plunger controlcircuit 84, plunger control circuit 85, cut-sheet form insertiondetector control circuit 86, and magnetic head control circuit 87constitute printer mechanism controller 65.

[0158] In the printer of the present embodiment, the operation ofpresser roller 34 is controlled to press the cut-sheet form (personalcheck) against magnetic head 31 only when required for MICR codereading. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, however, a control mechanism andcontrol circuit for moving presser roller 34 are not specificallyprovided. This is because presser roller 34 is designed to move inconjunction with the operation of print head 13 in the printer of thepresent embodiment, and the operation of presser roller 34 can becontrolled by means of print mechanism and print head motor controlcircuit 82. The control system can thus be simplified by moving presserroller 34 in conjunction with the operation of print head 13.

Control Methods

[0159] Control Method 1

[0160] The control method of the present invention for reading the MICRcode printed to a personal check and then conditionally printing a checkendorsement to the back of the personal check is described below withreference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIGS. 14 and 15 are flow charts of thepreferred control method of the present invention for controlling theoperation of the preferred printer mechanism of the invention as shownin FIG. 3 from MICR code reading to endorsement printing.

[0161]FIGS. 16 and 17 are detailed flow charts of the MICR code readingoperation shown as step 108 in FIG. 14. FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 aredetailed flow charts of the back-feed operation, shown as step 118 inFIG. 15, used for re-reading the MICR code.

[0162] The first step of the procedure determines whether the commandsent from the host device is the ‘read MICR code’ command (step 101); ifit is not, the received command is executed (step 102).

[0163] If the received command is the read MICR code command, the MICRcode read function is selected, i.e., the paper transportation drivepower transfer system switching mechanism is switched to drive cut-sheetform transportation rollers 29 and cut-sheet form loading rollers 23.The one cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is thus moved in the directionof arrow E and form stopper 25 is moved in the direction of arrow F tothe open position of the loading roller closing mechanism, and a checkinsertion standby state is started with the MICR code read functiondescribed below selected (step 103).

[0164] The MICR code read function in this example is the function forreading the MICR code printed to the personal check. When the MICR coderead function is selected, i.e., when in the MICR code reading mode, theprinter apparatus of the present invention is used for check processingand not for normal cut-sheet forms printing. It is necessary to selectthe operating function as described above because the paper path andpaper feed mechanism is used for both cut-sheet forms printing and MICRcode reading. When the MICR code read function is selected, the insertedcut-sheet form 16 is assumed to be a check to which an MICR code isprinted. As a result, the cut-sheet form 16 indicated in the figures isassumed to be a personal check 16 until the MICR code read function isdeselected.

[0165] If the operator executes a cancel (step 104) before inserting apersonal check 16 during the check insertion standby mode, the checkinsertion standby mode is terminated, and a status signal indicating anabnormal read termination is output (step 120). In this case, the papertransportation drive power transfer system switching mechanism switchesto drive roll paper transportation rollers 41 a, 41 b (step 121), andthe MICR code read function is deselected (step 116).

[0166] Note that this cancel operation is accomplished based on acommand input from the host device instructing cancellation of the checkinsertion standby mode, or by the operator operating a switch means.

[0167] When the operator inserts a personal check for MICR code readingand endorsement, the check 16 is inserted face down (MICR code facedown) with the MICR code to the right side, i.e., in the normalendorsement position described previously above, of the cut-sheet formpaper path to the cut-sheet form insertion position 26. When the checkis detected by paper detector 24 (step 105), cut-sheet form loadingroller 23 is moved in the direction of arrow D to hold personal check16, and form stopper 25 is retracted from the paper path in thedirection of arrow G to the closed position of the loading rollerclosing mechanism, and the personal check is advanced until the leadingedge of the check reaches magnetic head 31 (step 106). From thisposition, print head 13 is moved in the direction of arrow K to apredetermined position outside the printing area, and personal check 16is pressed to magnetic head 31 by media presser 33 (step 107). Thiscompletes preparations for MICR code reading to begin, which is executedat step 108.

[0168] The process executed after MICR code reading is describedfurther. First, print head 13 is moved in the direction of arrow L (FIG.6(a)), the media presser roller is separated from magnetic head 31, andthe pressure on personal check 16 is released (step 109). This reduceswear between personal check 16 and magnetic head 31 when personal check16 is thereafter transported, and thereby prevents unnecessary wear ofthe magnetic head detection surface 31 a. By releasing the pressureapplied by the media presser roller, any foreign matter held by themedia presser roller can also be removed, which may be required toenable MICR code reading when re-reading is necessary as describedbelow.

[0169] When the MICR code read function end flag is set (step 110)during the MICR code reading process (step 108), the process results areoutput to the host device by data transmission means 73 (step 120), thepaper transportation drive power transfer system switching mechanism isreset to drive roll paper transportation rollers 41 a, 41 b (step 121),and the MICR code read function terminates (step 116). The resultsoutput to the host device in step 120 include a status report indicatingwhether reading was normally completed, and the character data stored torecognition result storage means 72 when the MICR code is detected andcharacter recognition is completed.

[0170] When the MICR code read function end flag is cleared (step 110)during the MICR code reading process (step 108), the data stored to readdata storage means 70 is interpreted and recognized by read datainterpreter 71, and converted to character data. This character data isalso stored to recognition result storage means 72 (step 111). Whenrecognition processing is completed, the recognition results are sent bydata transmission means 73 to the host device (step 111), and thecommand receive standby state is entered. The recognition results outputto the host device in step 111 include a status report indicatingwhether reading was normally completed, and the character data stored torecognition result storage 10 means 72.

[0171] The command receive standby state (step 112) waits for arecognition results re-send command from the host device. This state iscanceled when a command other than the re-send recognition resultscommand is received (steps 122, 117, and 114).

[0172] When the MICR code read function is selected, i.e., during theMICR code reading mode, there are only five executable commands,specifically, the check insertion standby cancel command, re-sendrecognition results command, load check command (described below), checkeject command, and the read MICR code command. However, when the numberof read operations per check insertion is limited due, for example, tolimitations of the printer mechanism, and the limited number of readoperations is already executed (step 117), the read MICR code command isnot executed and check ejection is executed (step 122) as occurs when acommand other than the read command, load command, or re-send command isreceived. Note that when the number of read operations is limited,status information indicating whether the read MICR code command isexecutable is added to the recognition results sent after MICR codereading is completed.

[0173] The check insertion standby cancel command, load check command,and check eject command cannot be executed when the MICR code readfunction is not selected, and the corresponding processes are notexecuted even if these commands are received when the MICR code readfunction is not selected.

[0174] When the re-send recognition results command is received (step113), the printer sends to the host device the recognition results fromthe last-executed read operation (step 113).

[0175] When the load check command is received (step 114), steppingmotor 45 is then started to transport personal check 16 by means ofcut-sheet form loading rollers 23 in the direction of arrow C tocut-sheet form print start position 27 (step 114). The paper transportdistance at this time is the difference of the “number of read steps”stored in step 145 of the MICR code reading process shown in FIG. 17,and the “number of steps to the cut-sheet form print start position”, aknown constant value of the specific printer.

[0176] When loading personal check 16 to the print start position iscompleted, the one cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is moved in thedirection of arrow E and form stopper 25 is moved in the direction ofarrow F to the open position of the loading roller closing mechanism.The MICR code read function is then terminated, and the printerapparatus is set up for endorsement printing by the same process usedfor printing to cut-sheet forms (steps 115, 116).

[0177] The personal check eject process (step 122) is executed when acommand other than the load check command or read MICR code command isreceived, or when the read MICR code command is received after the readoperation has been executed a predetermined number of times. This ejectprocess is described below.

[0178] First, stepping motor 45 is started and personal check 16 isadvanced in the direction of arrow B. When the trailing edge of personalcheck 16 passes cut-sheet form paper detector 24 and the check is notdetected by paper detector 24, personal check 16 is advanced a distanceslightly greater than the distance d1 from cut-sheet form insertionposition 26 to cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29. This freespersonal check 16 from the grip of the cut-sheet form transportationrollers, and permits the operator to easily remove personal check 16from the paper path. The paper transportation drive power transfersystem switching mechanism is then reset to drive roll papertransportation rollers 41 a, 41 b (step 121), and the MICR code readfunction is terminated (step 116).

[0179] It is to be noted that the unexecuted commands are not simplyflushed at this time, but are executed after the MICR code read functionis terminated. For example, if the single check read limit has beenexceeded but the read MICR code command has been received, the loadedpersonal check is ejected without the read MICR code command beingexecuted again (steps 112, 117, 122), the MICR code read function isterminated once (steps 121, 116), and the read MICR code command is thenre-executed.

[0180] If the read MICR code command is received in the command receivewait state (step 112) and the number of read operations does not exceedthe per check read limit (step 117), the back-feed process (step 118)described below is executed to return personal check 16 to cut-sheetform insertion position 26 and repeat the MICR code reading operation.

[0181] The back-feed process (step 118) and subsequent processes aredescribed below. If the back-feed is determined to have failed (step119) in the back-feed process (step 118) for repeating the MICR codereading operation, a status flag indicating abnormal termination of theread operation is output (step 120), the paper transportation drivepower transfer system switching mechanism is changed to drive roll papertransportation rollers 41 a, 41 b, roll paper printing is enabled (step121), and the MICR code read function is terminated (step 116). If theback-feed is determined to have succeeded (step 119), however, controlloops back to the start of setup for MICR code reading (step 106).

MICR Code Reading Process

[0182] The MICR code reading process (step 108) is described next withreference to FIGS. 16 and 17. The process starts by starting steppingmotor 45 to drive cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 and begintransportation of personal check 16 in the direction of arrow B (step131). Note that in the present embodiment an electromagnet is used forthe MICR code remagnetizing magnet 32, and it is therefore necessary tobegin current supply to said electromagnet before transporting thecheck.

[0183] Thereafter and until reading is terminated in step 140, the MICRcode printed on the check and remagnetized by magnet 32 built in to thecut-sheet form paper path passes over magnetic head 31, magnetic head 31thus detects the change in the magnetic flux resulting from the MICRcode, converts the detected flux change to an electrical signal, andoutputs said signal (step 132). This output signal is converted to adigital signal by magnetic head control circuit 87, and is stored toread data storage means 70 in RAM 77.

[0184] When a change in the magnetic flux is detected from the outputsignal of magnetic head 31 (step 133), it is assumed that MICR codeswere detected, and character waveform detection is determined completed(step 134).

[0185] MICR code reading continues until one of the following threeconditions are satisfied: (1) the personal check 16 transportationdistance reaches the maximum readable length, which is determined by thecapacity of RAM 77 and the paper feed resolution of printer mechanism 90(step 135); (2) personal check 16 is advanced to cut-sheet form printstart position 27 (step 136), and is then advanced to just before thetrailing edge of personal check 16 separates from magnetic head 31 (step137); (3) character waveform detection is determined completed in step134, personal check 16 is then advanced to cut-sheet form print startposition 27 (step 136), character waveform detection is completed instep 138, and personal check 16 is then advanced a predetermineddistance from that point (step 139).

[0186] The “predetermined distance” of step 139 in this embodiment isexpressed as the width of three MICR characters. As a result, whennon-detection of the character waveform continues for a distanceequivalent to the width of three characters, reading is determinedcompleted, and the terminate MICR code reading process (step 140) isinitiated. Because this predetermined distance is preferably determinedaccording to the MICR code format, the predetermined distance can be setand changed by means of a command from host device 1.

[0187] When the above terminate MICR code reading conditions aresatisfied, personal check 16 transportation is stopped and reading isended (step 140).

[0188] If character waveform detection is not completed (step 141), orthe check eject command has already been received by the time reading iscompleted (step 142), in the preceding reading process, the onecut-sheet form loading roller 23 is moved in the direction of arrow Eand form stopper 25 is moved in the direction of arrow F to the openposition of the loading roller closing mechanism, stepping motor 45 isstarted, and personal check 16 is fed in the direction of arrow B. Whenpersonal check 16 passes and is no longer detected by paper detector 24,personal check 16 is advanced a distance slightly greater than thedistance d1 from cut-sheet form insertion position 26 to cut-sheet formtransportation rollers 29. This frees personal check 16 from the grip ofthe cut-sheet form transportation rollers, and permits the operator toeasily remove personal check 16 from the paper path (steps 146, 149).

[0189] However, if character waveform detection is determined completedin step 134 (step 141), the check is ejected (step 146), and the datastored to read data storage means 70 is interpreted and recognized byread data interpreter 71, and converted to character data (step 147).The recognized characters are stored to recognition result storage means72 as character data. It is to be noted that various methods of theprior art can be used in the data interpretation and recognition processexecuted by read data interpreter 71, and further description thereof isomitted below.

[0190] Once personal check 16 is ejected, control flows back to the mainprocess shown in FIG. 14, and the MICR code read function end flag isset in step 148 to terminate the MICR code read function in step 110.

[0191] Furthermore, when character waveform is detected (step 141) andthe check eject command has not been received when reading is completed(step 142), the paper feed distance of the MICR code reading process isadjusted. Specifically, if the leading edge of the check has beenadvanced beyond check standby position 30 (described below; see FIG. 3)(step 143), the check is back-fed in the direction of arrow C (step 144)to check standby position 30.

[0192] In the present embodiment check standby position 30 is set to aposition at which it is difficult for the operator to grasp personalcheck 16. This is because if the printer apparatus stops with theleading edge of personal check 16 projecting noticeably from printermechanism 90 or the case housing printer mechanism 90, the operator maytry to remove a check to which printing has not been completed. Theposition of check standby position 30 is therefore not limited to theposition shown in the present embodiment, and may be variously set withconsideration given to such factors as the structure of the printermechanism.

[0193] When adjustment of the paper transportation distance iscompleted, one cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is moved in thedirection of arrow E and form stopper 25 is moved in the direction ofarrow F to the open position of the loading roller closing mechanism.Because re-reading and other functions may be executed in the processshown in FIG. 15 in this case, the MICR code read function end flag iscleared (step 145) so that the MICR code read function is not terminatedeven if control flows back to the main procedure shown in FIG. 14.

[0194] The total paper feed distance from cut-sheet form insertionposition 26 to the current position is stored as the “number of readsteps,” and the total paper feed distance from no-paper detection bypaper detector 24 to the current position is also stored as the “numberof no-paper detection steps” (step 145).

Check Ejection Process

[0195] The check ejection process executed in the MICR code readingprocess described above is described below. FIG. 18 is a flow chart ofthe preferred embodiment of the control method for controlling thepreferred embodiment of a printer mechanism according to the presentinvention as shown in FIG. 3 to eject a cut-sheet form.

[0196] When the “eject cut-sheet form” command is received from hostdevice 1, the command is received, interpreted, and executed accordingto a predetermined procedure. Specifically, it is determined whether thereceived command is the cut-sheet form eject command (step 151); if itis, stepping motor 45 is started to advance the personal check 16 in thedirection of arrow B, i.e., transportation in the eject direction begins(step 153). Once personal check 16 advances to a position where it is nolonger detected by cut-sheet form paper detector 24 (step 154), it isadvanced a distance slightly greater than the distance d1 from cut-sheetform insertion position 26 to cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29.This frees personal check 16 from the grip of the cut-sheet formtransportation rollers, and permits the operator to easily removepersonal check 16 from the paper path (step 155).

[0197] The paper transportation drive power transfer system switchingmechanism is then reset to drive roll paper transportation rollers 41 a,41 b, and printing to roll paper 15 is enabled (step 156).

[0198] If any command other than the cut-sheet form eject command isreceived in step 151, that command is executed (step 152).

Paper Feed to the Re-read Position

[0199] The back-feed process (step 118) executed while processing theread MICR code command as shown in FIG. 14 is described below withreference to the flow charts in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21. The back-feedoperation executed to repeat the MICR code reading process starts bymoving cut-sheet form loading roller 23 in the direction of arrow D, andretracting form stopper 25 from the paper path in the direction of arrowG to the closed position of the loading roller closing mechanism (step161).

[0200] If personal check 16 has already passed cut-sheet form paperdetector 24 when reading is completed (step 162), the “number ofno-paper detection steps” stored in step 145 during reading is increasedby several ten steps to define a maximum paper feed limit, and steppingmotor 45 is started to back-feed personal check 16 in the direction ofarrow C (step 163). Several ten steps are added to the stored value toprevent an insufficient back-feed distance as a result of backlash inthe gears of the printer mechanism shown in FIG. 3, or an offsetdetection position resulting from hysteresis error during checkdetection by cut-sheet form paper detector 24. Back-feeding personalcheck 16 in the direction of arrow C continues until paper detector 24detects the trailing edge of personal check 16 (i.e., the leading edgewhen the check is inserted), or until the feed distance reaches thepreviously defined maximum limit (step 165).

[0201] If the remaining feed distance is 0 (step 167) when processing iscompleted and stepping motor 45 stops (step 166), the trailing edge ofpersonal check 16 has not been detected even though the check has beenback-fed the maximum allowable distance. An error is thereforedetermined to have occurred, and processing terminates. Morespecifically, one cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is moved in thedirection of arrow E and form stopper 25 is moved in the direction ofarrow F to the open position of the loading roller closing mechanism(step 185), and stepping motor 45 is started to advance personal check16 in the direction of arrow B and begin ejecting the check. Then, oncepersonal check 16 passes paper detector 24, personal check 16 isadvanced a distance slightly greater than the distance d1 from cut-sheetform insertion position 26 to cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29(step 186). This frees personal check 16 from the grip of the cut-sheetform transportation rollers, and permits the operator to easily removepersonal check 16 from the paper path. After the check is ejected, aflag is set indicating that back-feed failed (step 188), and theprocedure returns to the main procedure shown in FIG. 15.

[0202] On the other hand, if the remaining feed distance is greater than0 (step 167) when processing is completed and stepping motor 45 stops(step 166), the “number of no-paper detection steps” is subtracted fromthe “number of read steps”, and the difference is stored as the new“number of read steps” (step 168). In this case the trailing edge ofpersonal check 16 has reached the detection position of cut-sheet formpaper detector 24, and control passes to the routine executed whenpersonal check 16 is detected by cut-sheet form paper detector 24 at thebeginning of the back-feed operation.

[0203] When the remaining number of read steps converted to physicalpaper length is 6 mm or greater (step 169), stepping motor 45 is startedand personal check 16 is back-fed in the direction of arrow C a distanceequal to the number of read steps minus the number of steps equal to 6mm (step 170). The number of read steps is then updated to the number ofsteps equal to 6 mm (step 171). If the remaining number of read stepsconverted to physical paper length is less than 6 mm (step 169), steps170 and 171 are skipped.

[0204] The above process enables back-feeding to be executed quickly andaccurately. Specifically, because the leading edge of personal check 16must be accurately detected, the presence of personal check 16 isconfirmed by the cut-sheet form paper detector 24 every step or everyplural steps. The feed rate of personal check 16 can therefore not beset too high in this process. This process is therefore executed onlywhen the leading edge of personal check 16 is near cut-sheet form paperdetector 24, and personal check 16 is transported at high speed at allother times. The threshold value determining “near” in this embodimentis “the number of steps equivalent to 6 mm when converted to physicalpaper length.”

[0205] The process for detecting the leading edge of personal check 16is described next. The basis for leading edge detection is (attempted)transportation of personal check 16 for a predetermined distance withpersonal check 16 not detected by paper detector 24. In the presentembodiment this “predetermined distance” is the sum of the remainingnumber of read steps plus the number of steps equivalent to 1 mm. Thisis because if personal check 16 is not detected during transportationfor a distance exceeding this predetermined distance, the possibilitythat personal check 16 will be detected again thereafter is extremelylow, even if the reason why the form is not detected is that it has ahole or damage in the part extending beyond form stopper, because theremaining number of read steps corresponds to the length inside fromform stopper 25. While the probability of detection rises to a certainlimit as this predetermined distance increases, processing time alsoincreases and the possibility of the personal check separating from thecut-sheet form loading rollers increases. In the present embodiment, thedistance from cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 to paper detector 24 isapproximately 12 mm, and personal check 16 will not separate fromcut-sheet form loading rollers 23 if the above predetermined distanceexceeds this distance (12 mm).

[0206] The maximum feed distance of personal check 16 in this process isset next. The feed distance until the leading edge of personal check 16reaches the detection position of paper detector 24, and a margin ofseveral ten steps allowing for slippage of personal check 16 in thepaper path, are added to the above predetermined distance to obtain thismaximum feed distance in the present embodiment. Note that this margincorresponds to a feed distance of approximately 10 mm in thisembodiment.

[0207] After setting these values, stepping motor 45 is started andtransportation of personal check 16 in the direction of arrow C begins(step 172). If stepping motor 45 operates for a period corresponding tothe defined predetermined distance with paper detector 24 not detectingpersonal check 16 (step 173), or if the personal check feed distancereaches the defined maximum distance (step 174), stepping motor 45 stops(step 175).

[0208] If the remaining feed distance is 0 steps at this time (step176), it is determined that the paper is not detectable because of someerror or problem. Personal check 16 is therefore advanced in thedirection of arrow B for a number of steps equivalent to the distancefrom form stopper 25 to cut-sheet form print start position 27 (step177), one cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is moved in the direction ofarrow E and form stopper 25 is moved in the direction of arrow F to theopen position of the loading roller closing mechanism (step 185), andthe check is ejected (step 186). To eject the check, stepping motor 45is operated to feed personal check 16 in the direction of arrow B aspreviously described. If personal check 16 advances past paper detector24 and a no-paper state is detected, personal check 16 is advanced adistance slightly greater than the distance d1 from cut-sheet forminsertion position 26 to cut-sheet form transportation rollers 29, andstepping motor 45 is stopped. This frees personal check 16 from the gripof the cut-sheet form transportation rollers, and permits the operatorto easily remove personal check 16 from the paper path. A flagindicating a back-feed failure is then set (step 188), and controlreturns to the main procedure shown in FIG. 15.

[0209] The following problems may occur if personal check 16 is notadvanced a number of steps equivalent to the distance from form stopper25 to cut-sheet form print start position 27 in the direction of arrowB. Specifically, it is possible that personal check 16 is not held bycut-sheet form transportation rollers 29 because of some error orproblem, in which case personal check 16 is held only by cut-sheet formloading rollers 23. When the loading roller closing mechanism is open,personal check 16 is held by no rollers, and ejection is thereforeimpossible.

[0210] If the remaining feed distance is not 0 steps (step 176), amargin of several ten steps is added to the number of continuousno-paper detection steps by looping through steps 172 to 175, andstepping motor 45 is operated to feed personal check 16 in the directionof arrow B using this sum as the maximum feed distance (step 178). Thestepping motor stops (step 181) when paper detector 24 detects the check(step 179), or the check is advanced the maximum feed distance (step180).

[0211] If the remaining number of steps is 0 when stepping motor 45stops (step 182), it is determined that paper detection is not possibledue to an error. One cut-sheet form loading roller 23 is therefore movedin the direction of arrow E and form stopper 25 is moved in thedirection of arrow F to the open position of the loading roller closingmechanism (step 187), a back-feed failure is reported (step 188), andcontrol returns to the main procedure shown in FIG. 15.

[0212] Note that personal check 16 can be removed by opening the loadingroller closing mechanism because it is held only by cut-sheet formloading rollers 23 at this time. The eject operation is therefore notexecuted.

[0213] If the remaining number of steps is not 0 when stepping motor 45stops (step 182), personal check 16 is fed in the direction of arrow Bfor a number of steps equivalent to the distance from paper detector 24to form stopper 25. The back-feed success flag is therefore set (step184), and control returns to the main procedure shown in FIG. 15.

[0214] It is to be noted that while the back-feed operation executed bythe present embodiment to repeat the MICR code reading process iscontrolled by the method shown in FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 and describedabove, re-reading can also be enabled by simply feeding personal check16 in the direction of arrow C for a number of steps equivalent to thenumber of read steps. In this case back-feed failure detection is notexecuted, and the corresponding evaluation steps are therefore notrequired.

[0215] In addition, re-reading is also possible if the leading edge ofpersonal check 16 is fed in the direction of arrow C from magnetic head31 to the area near the cut-sheet form insertion area, and personalcheck 16 need not be fed all the way to cut-sheet form insertionposition 26.

[0216] It is also possible to execute re-reading while feeding personalcheck 16 in the direction of arrow C, and to advance personal check 16in the direction of arrow B to cut-sheet form print start position 27when reading in this reverse direction is completed.

Re-sending the Recognition Results

[0217]FIG. 22 is a flow chart of the process executed for the commandinstructing the recognition results to be resent during normaloperation, i.e., when the MICR code read function is not selected, ofthe printer according to the present embodiment.

[0218] When the re-send command is received (step 191), the printersends the data stored to recognition result storage means 72, i.e., therecognition results of the most recent MICR code reading operation, tothe host device (step 192). As described above, status data indicatingwhether the read operation has been executed for the maximum per checklimit is also sent with the recognition results. This status data isonly meaningful within the context of a single MICR code readingoperation, however, and is therefore set to indicate whether the maximumnumber of read operations has been executed, i.e., whether re-reading isprohibited or not.

[0219] When any other command is received, that command is executed(step 193).

[0220] Check processing by the present embodiment

[0221]FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a check processing procedure executedin a retail establishment, for example, when the printer of the presentembodiment is controlled by the first control method described above. Itis to be noted that in the following description of this flow chart, aPOS terminal is used by way of example only as host device 1 shown inFIG. 12.

[0222] When the operator receives a check from a customer (step 201),the operator operates the POS terminal to complete the transaction byreading the MICR code and then endorsing the check as appropriate. ThePOS terminal therefore enters the check processing mode, and sends acommand to the printer apparatus of the present invention to scan theMICR code. When the printer receives, interprets, and executes thecommand, it enters the check insertion standby mode. When the operatorinserts the check for endorsement, the printer reads the MICR codeprinted to the check by executing the procedure shown in FIGS. 14 and15, and sends the recognition results to the POS terminal (step 202).

[0223] The POS terminal then determines by interpreting the receivedstatus information whether MICR code reading was normally completed(step 203). If reading was completed normally, the received recognitionresults are confirmed (step 204), and if the required characterrecognition is confirmed, the check is determined to be valid or invalid(step 205).

[0224] Check validity can be accomplished, for example, by comparing therecognized account numbers with a database of invalid account numbers.If the check is valid, the POS terminal outputs a command to load thecheck to the cut-sheet form print start position. The printer thusexecutes the load command, and the check is loaded to the cut-sheet formprint start position (step 206). After step 206 the check can beimprinted by executing the same procedure used to print to any othercut-sheet form. The POS terminal therefore sends the endorsement dataand the cut-sheet form eject command to be executed after printing iscompleted to the printer. The printer then prints and ejects the checkin response to the received commands (step 207).

[0225] The POS terminal then outputs a command to load a cut-sheet formfor printing, for example, the store name and check amount. The printerthus executes this command and enters the cut-sheet form insertionstandby state. When the operator inserts the check face-up to thecut-sheet form insertion position for printing, the printer loads thecheck to the cut-sheet form print start position. When loading iscompleted, the POS terminal sends the print data and the cut-sheet formeject command to the printer, which then prints and ejects the checkaccordingly (step 208).

[0226] When the check is ejected, the operator hands the check to thecustomer for confirmation of the face amount and signing, receives thecheck back, and completes the transaction (step 209).

[0227] If MICR code reading was not normally completed (step 203), it ispossible that either the operator inserted the check in the wrongdirection, or a paper jam occurred and processing was interrupted. Theoperator must therefore decide to repeat or not repeat MICR code reading(step 210). If MICR code reading was not normally completed becauserequired characters in the MICR code could not be recognized (step 204),the POS terminal determines whether to repeat MICR code reading (step210).

[0228] When it is determined to repeat MICR code reading, the POSterminal sends the read MICR code command again. If the previous MICRcode reading operation was completed normally, the check will be at there-read start position, and re-reading can be executed. If reading wasnot completed normally, or if MICR code reading was executed the maximumallowable times per check, the check will have already been ejected. Theprinter therefore enters the printer insertion standby state, andre-reading is executed once the operator inserts the check to thecut-sheet form insertion position again (step 202). After re-reading iscompleted, the process from step 203 is executed again.

[0229] When it is determined to not repeat MICR code reading (step 210),the POS terminal sends the eject check command. The printer thereforeexecutes the eject command and ejects the check (step 211). If readingwas not normally completed, the check is already ejected when reading iscompleted. Execution of the eject command in this case will be invalidbecause the MICR code read function has already terminated, and nothingwill happen.

[0230] When the check is determined invalid and when MICR code readingfails, the operator returns the check to the customer and must receivepayment in cash or by some other means.

[0231] It is to be noted that while printing the payee and check amountto the face of the check has been described in the present embodimentabove, this part of the above process may be omitted when the customercompletes the face side of the check.

Control Method 2

[0232] The second control method of the present invention referenceswith the host device the recognition results obtained during MICR codereading, and determines the next process to execute based on thoseresults. A flow chart of this second control method is shown in FIG. 24.

[0233] The first step 221 determines whether the command received fromthe host device is a command relating to MICR code reading. If thereceived command is not the read MICR code command, the MICR codereading process is aborted and the received command is executed (step222).

[0234] If the received command is the load check command or read MICRcode command, the printer is set to the cut-sheet form insertion standbystate.

[0235] If the input command is canceled before a check is inserted whenin the cut-sheet form standby state (step 223), the cut-sheet formstandby state is canceled, paper transportation drive power transfersystem switching mechanism 94 is switched to drive roll papertransportation rollers 41 a, 41 b, printing to roll paper is enabled(step 235), and the process terminates. Command cancellation can beeffected by the host device inputting a cancel cut-sheet form standbycommand, by the operator operating a switch, or other means.

[0236] When the operator inserts the check face down for endorsementprinting, check insertion is confirmed by paper detector 24 (step 224).

[0237] Cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 are then closed (moved in thedirection of arrow D) to hold the check, and form stopper 25 isretracted from paper path 20. Stepping motor 45 is then operated to feedpersonal check 16 a predetermined distance in the direction of arrow B,thereby advancing the leading edge of personal check 16 to the positionof magnetic head 31 (step 225). Print head 13 is then moved to the edgeoutside the printing area in the direction of arrow K, media presser 33is moved toward magnetic head 31, and the leading edge of personal check16 is thus held between media presser 33 and magnetic head 31. Currentis simultaneously supplied to electromagnet 32 to remagnetize the MICRcode. The MICR code reading process (step 227) executed thereafter isthe same as that described in the first embodiment above, and furtherdescription is therefore omitted below.

[0238] When MICR code reading is completed, print head 13 is moved backwithin the printing area, and media presser 33 is returned to the printposition separated from magnetic head 31. The read data is theninterpreted by read data interpreter 71, and the recognition results arestored temporarily to RAM 77.

[0239] The process where by the recognized information is then sent tohost device 1 and confirmed is described next.

[0240] The MICR code recognition results are output to host device 1through data transmission means 73 and interface 75 (step 230). Whentransmission of the recognition results is completed, host device 1determines the validity of the check from which the information was readbased on the received recognition results. The printer is set to thestandby state in order to receive the evaluation result (step 231). Ifcheck processing is canceled during this standby state (step 231), theremainder of the procedure is aborted, and the check is ejected. Commandcancellation can be effected by the host device inputting a cancelreceive evaluation result standby command, by the operator operating aswitch, or other means.

[0241] When the evaluation result is received (step 232), the content ofthe result, i.e., whether the check is valid or invalid, is confirmed(step 233). If the check is invalid, the form is ejected (step 234),roll paper is selected (step 235), and the procedure terminates. Notethat the process for ejecting a check is the same as that described inthe first embodiment above, and further description thereof is omittedbelow.

[0242] If the check is valid, however, personal check 16 is advanced tothe print start position (step 236). The direction in which paper feedoccurs at this time to load personal check 16 to cut-sheet form printstart position 27 shown in FIG. 3 depends upon the paper feed distancetraveled during MICR code reading. Specifically, if the leading edge ofpersonal check 16 has not reached cut-sheet form print start position27, personal check 16 is advanced in the direction of arrow B; if theleading edge has passed cut-sheet form print start position 27, personalcheck 16 is fed in the direction of arrow C. When personal check 16 isfed in the reverse direction, cut-sheet form loading rollers 23 areclosed before paper feed begins to hold personal check 16. When feedingto cut-sheet form print start position 27 is completed, cut-sheet formloading rollers 23 are opened.

[0243] It is to be noted that each of the steps described above may beexecuted in response to separate commands received from the host device,or macro commands covering the plural steps required for MICR codereading or printing may be input from the host device with the pluralsteps executed for these separate processes managed on the printerapparatus side.

[0244] It is to be noted that while the above embodiments have beendescribed with MICR code reading executed with the check inserted in theposition enabling endorsement printing, it will be obvious that MICRcode reading can also be executed and then followed by printing the faceof the check by disposing magnetic head 31 and magnet 32 symmetricallyto the center line of paper path 20. In order to print on the face of apersonal check in succession to MICR reading without reversing thecheck, both the magnetic head and magnet must be disposed on uppersurface of the paper path. Moreover, the distance between them and theright end of the paper path, which is the reference position for MICRreading, must be the same as one in the printer for “endorsementprinting” because of the requirement of the MICR check standard. In thiscontext, the position of the magnetic head in the printer for “faceprinting” and one for “endorsement printing” are disposed symmetricallywith each other to the center plane of upper and lower surfaces of thepaper path. Because the purchase amount is commonly written to the face,and must be written both in numbers and text, processing requires moretime. If the information is printed by an integrated processingapparatus, processing can be reliably executed in a short period. It ispossible to enable selection of the process following MICR code readingby providing magnetic head 31 on both sides of the paper path andchanging the orientation of the check as necessary for endorsement orface printing at check insertion. In this case, an integrated processingapparatus can automatically select either endorsement printing or faceprinting according to the side on which the MICR code is detected. It isalso not necessary to limit the number of magnetic heads disposed to thepaper path to one, and plural magnetic heads may be arrayed to takeplural MICR code readings and compare the data obtained from the pluralreadings as a means of improving data reliability. Such an arrangementalso makes it possible to read MICR codes printed to a larger (pluralline) printing area.

[0245] It is also not necessary to limit an integrated processingapparatus to one printing head, and both check face and endorsementprinting can be enabled with a single pass through the paper path byproviding plural print heads on both sides of the paper path.

[0246] As described hereinabove, an integrated processing apparatusaccording to the present invention is an apparatus capable of smoothlyexecuting plural processes using a single paper path, specifically,capable of both reading the MICR code and printing an endorsement with asingle pass of the check. Check processing in retail and otherbusinesses can therefore be simplified by means of an integratedprocessing apparatus of the present invention. The per customerprocessing time can also be shortened, and customer service improved, byprocessing personal checks using an integrated processing apparatus ofthe present invention. Moreover, because a mechanism is provided forpressing the personal check to the magnetic head, the MICR coderecognition rate can be improved even with checks that are wrinkled orfolded. The effects of external noise can also be reduced because amagnetic shield is provided around the magnetic head, and reading canthus be more reliably accomplished.

[0247] While the invention has been described in conjunction withseveral specific embodiments, it is evident to those skilled in the artthat many further alternatives, modifications and variations will beapparent in light of the foregoing description. Thus, the inventiondescribed herein is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, applications and variations as may fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

Second Embodiment

[0248]FIG. 27 is a simplified view showing the major operatingcomponents of the second embodiment of an information detectionapparatus for recording media processing according to the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 27, this information detection apparatus forrecording media processing comprises an insertion opening 1006 at theleft end of the apparatus as seen therein. The insertion opening 1006leads in sequence to paper transport roller 1031, print head 1041, andpresser roller 1051 disposed on the top side of the transportation path1009 as also seen in FIG. 27.

[0249] Opposing paper transport roller 1031, print head 1041, andpresser roller 1051 with transportation path 1009 disposed therebetweenare, respectively, paper transport roller 1032, platen 1042, andmagnetic head 1052, which is the detection means. Paper transport roller1031 and paper transport roller 1032 thus constitute transportationmechanism 1003, print head 1041 and platen 1042 constitute printingmechanism 1004, and presser roller 1051 and magnetic head 1052constitute reading mechanism 1005.

[0250] Paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032 and presser roller 1051 canmove vertically up and down. Presser roller 1051 and magnetic head 1052,and the part of transportation path 1009 formed thereby, are a singleunit.

[0251] A side view of this unit is shown in FIG. 25, and a plan view inFIG. 26.

[0252] Presser roller 1051 is mounted on one end of arm 1021, the otherend of which is connected to plunger 1027 by means of shaft 1028. Themiddle of arm 1021 is supported by shaft 1025 in a freely rocking mannersuch that plunger 1027 operates vertically when current is supplied to asolenoid contained in housing 1026, thus causing presser roller 1051 toeither contact or separate from magnetic head 1052. It should be notedthat as described below the solenoid housed in housing 1026 is aself-hold solenoid that drives plunger 1027 up or down depending uponthe direction of current flow, and uses a magnet to hold plunger 1027 inthe position it was at when the current supply is stopped.

[0253] Self-hold type solenoids generally have two operating positions:“pull” and “open.” When in the pull position the plunger is pulled toand held by the magnet built in to the solenoid. When in the openposition the plunger is repulsed by the magnet and stops at a positionseparated from the magnet. The plunger moves between these two positionsdepending upon the direction of current flow.

[0254] More specifically, the magnetic field strength produced bycurrent flow in a particular direction pulls the plunger from the openposition to the pull position. When the current flow is reversed, thefield strength works in the opposite direction to move the plunger fromthe pull position to the open position. When the current flow isstopped, the plunger is held by a magnet in the position at which theplunger was when the current flow stopped. Therefore, the force ofmagnetic attraction acting on the plunger in the pull position is great,and magnetic repulsion acting on the plunger in the open position isrelatively weak.

[0255] Presser roller 1051 is thus separated from magnetic head 1052when the solenoid of the present embodiment is in the pull position, andpresses against magnetic head 1052 when in the open position. Thepressure applied by presser roller 1051 on magnetic head 1052 can thusbe set to a substantially constant value using the elastic force ofpresser spring 1053 since the effects of force from the magnet whenpressure is applied can be made small.

[0256] It should be noted that a magnetic latching type solenoid is usedfor self-hold solenoid in the present embodiment, but the inventionshall not be so limited and a leaf spring type solenoid can be used. Itshould be also noted that a helical spring is used for presser spring1053 in the present embodiment, but the invention shall not be solimited and other types of elastic members, including leaf springs andtorsion coil springs, can be used.

[0257] The operating sequence of the recording media informationdetection apparatus comprising this unit is described below withreference to FIG. 27.

[0258] In the default state paper transport roller 1031 and papertransport roller 1032 are separated and transportation mechanism 1003 isopen. Presser roller 1051 is also separated from magnetic head 1052, andreading mechanism 1005 is open.

[0259] When the information detection apparatus receives a MICR readmode signal from the host device, current flow in a particular directionis supplied to the magnetic latching type solenoid described above,thereby causing plunger 1027 to travel down to the solenoid pullposition and presser roller 1051 to lift to the open roller position.This operation confirms that presser roller 1051 is reset to the defaultopen roller state before operation continues even when some overpoweringexternal force has overcome and canceled the pull position of themagnetic latching type solenoid. When this operation is completed anoperating indicator lights to notify the operator that the informationdetection apparatus is ready for normal use and operation.

[0260] It should be noted that a photo interrupter or other knowndetector means can be used on an end of arm 1021 to detect whether arm1021 (plunger 1027) is in the pull position. If arm 1021 is already inthe pull position, the above operation can be skipped because the pathbetween presser roller 1051 and magnetic head 1052 is already open.

[0261] When reading mechanism 1005 is open and presser roller 1051 israised, a foam stop 1014 provided between printing mechanism 1004 andreading mechanism 1005 also slides to the up position (shown by a dottedline in FIG. 27) blocking transportation path 1009. When a check is theninserted from insertion opening 1006, the leading edge of the checkcontacts foam stop 1014, and the check is thus positioned intransportation path 1009.

[0262] Paper detector 1012, for detecting the presence of a check, isdisposed between insertion opening 1006 and transportation mechanism1003, and a similar paper detector 1013 is disposed between printingmechanism 1004 and foam stop 1014. When paper detectors 1012 and 1013detect that a check has been inserted to transportation path 1009, thecontrol unit of the recording media information detection apparatusoperates transportation mechanism 1003 so that the check is held bypaper transport rollers 1031 and 1032, and then retracts foam stop 1014from transportation path 1009. Note that the operating mechanism of thepaper transport rollers and foam stop 1014 can be achieved using variousknown configurations such as a plunger and linkage. A counter forindicating the paper feed position is also reset at this time. Note thatthe counter in this embodiment is provided in the control circuit (notshown in the figures) controlling stepping motor 1034 for papertransport. Note also that the counter increments or decrements accordingto the direction and amount of stepping motor 1034 rotation.

[0263] Detectors 1012 and 1013 are preferably constituted byphotodetectors. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in theart, any other type of suitable detecting mechanisms, such as mechanicalswitches, proximity detectors and the like, may be utilized.

[0264] Rotation of stepping motor 1034 is transferred by speed reducer1033 to drive paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032, therebytransporting the check through transportation path 1009 (forward) intoreading mechanism 1005. When paper detector 1012 then detects thetrailing end of the check, the check is advanced a limited knowndistance and thus positioned so that the check does not leavetransportation mechanism 1003. The paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032are then stopped, and arm 1021 is operated so that presser roller 1051presses the check against magnetic head 1052. Note that arm 1021 isoperated by the magnetic latching type solenoid, and current flow to themagnetic latching type solenoid can therefore be stopped once the checkis positioned against magnetic head 1052. This makes it possible tosuppress magnetic noise resulting from noise in the current supply andswitching noise from other electronic devices.

[0265] Note that check 1008 shown in FIG. 27 is inserted face down sothat the side on which the desired information printed in magnetic inkcontacts magnetic head 1052.

[0266] When paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032 are then driven in theopposite direction the check is transported in the reverse directiontoward insertion opening 1006. Note that the check is pressed by presserroller 1051 against magnetic head 1052 at this time so that anappropriate amount of friction acts on the check. Tension correspondingto the combination of this friction and the drive force from papertransport rollers 1031 and 1032 thus acts on the check to straightenwrinkles or folds, for example, and thereby make it easier to assuregood contact between the check and magnetic head 1052.

[0267] The tension acting on the check can be increased in various ways,including substituting a sliding presser for presser roller 1051 orproviding a mechanical resistance such as a damper producing viscousdrag on the presser roller 1051 bearing. Referring back to FIG. 25, notethat the sliding presser in this example produces a sliding frictionbetween the presser and the check. In these cases the position of shaft1025, which functions as the fulcrum of arm 1021, is preferably movedaway from presser roller 1051 closer to insertion opening 1006. By thusshifting the fulcrum away from presser roller 1051, the load of thepresser roller 1051 bearing acts on arm 1021 in the direction increasingthe pressure of presser roller 1051 against magnetic head 1052.

[0268] When reverse paper transport, i.e., paper transport in thedirection toward insertion opening 1006, starts, a blank area of thecheck containing no magnetic ink characters moves over magnetic head1052. This blank area can thus be used to measure by means of magnetichead 1052 the background level of magnetic noise affecting MICR reading.This magnetic noise signal level can also be stored.

[0269] As paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032 continue to transportthe check and the area in which magnetic ink is printed passes overmagnetic head 1052, magnetic head 1052 outputs a magnetic ink detectionsignal. This signal is an analog signal and converted to a digitalsignal by a signal processing circuit not shown in the figures andstored to memory, also not shown in the figures, on a specific cycle.

[0270] The magnetic ink detection signal continues to be stored as thecheck continues to be transported at a particular speed. After theleading edge (now the trailing edge) of the check passes back overmagnetic head 1052, magnetic head 1052 again measures the magnetic noiselevel. The average of this noise level and the magnetic noise levelobtained from the blank check area above is then obtained to determinethe background noise level. This process can be accomplished by amicroprocessor or other known signal processing device using the signalprocessing circuit and memory mentioned above.

[0271] When the check is transported forward into reading mechanism 1005transportation stops at a position where the check continues to be heldby transportation mechanism 1003, and the information printed withmagnetic ink is then read as the check is transported in the oppositedirection back toward insertion opening 1006 as described above. Turningto FIG. 28, as a result, the gap C between paper transport rollers 1031and 1032 and reading mechanism 1005 must be less than the distance Afrom the edge of check 1008 to the area in which the magnetic inkinformation 1008 a is printed. Note that passage of the leading edge ofthe check over magnetic head 1052 can be estimated from the gap betweenfoam stop 1014 and magnetic head 1052 and the check travel distance.

[0272] After the check is transported to the endorsement printing startposition, the magnetic latching type solenoid lifts presser roller 1051from magnetic head 1052, and the MICR detection data is obtained bysubtracting the background signal level from the magnetic ink detectionsignal. This detection data is then used to recognize the MICR code bymeans of a known method, and the MICR code is then sent to the hostdevice. The host (or other credit source) on which the check is drawn todetermine check validity based on the MICR code content, and sends theresult to the information detection apparatus for recording mediaprocessing.

[0273] If the check is approved by the bank, the information detectionapparatus for recording media processing operates the paper transportrollers 1031 and 1032 according to the print data from the host deviceto transport the check toward insertion opening 1006 while printing theendorsement information using printing mechanism 1004. When the printingprocess is completed the check is ejected from insertion opening 1006 tothus finish the check processing sequence combining MICR code readingand endorsement printing.

[0274] It should be noted that depending upon the printing startposition it may be necessary to again transport the check in the forwarddirection toward reading mechanism 1005 during the printing process, andthe magnetic latching type solenoid is therefore driven to release thepressure of presser roller 1051 on the check. Once the check ispositioned to the printing start position, however, printing can beaccomplished while the check travels in the reverse direction towardinsertion opening 1006, and presser roller 1051 is therefore set topress against the check before printing starts in this embodiment. Asdescribed above, this applies tension to the check and straightenswrinkles in the check as the check passes through the transportationpath inside printing mechanism 1004 to enable sharp, accurate printing.The pressure from presser roller 1051 is again released once printing iscompleted. Note that the pressure from presser roller 1051 is releasedafter printing is completed because releasing presser roller 1051 duringprinting also changes the load on paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032and can result in the printing position changing.

[0275] If the check is not approved by the financial institution orbank, printing process is not executed, and the check is restored to thesame condition in which it was inserted. MICR code reading is thenrepeated and the host repeats the validity check. If the validity checkis again failed, the check is ejected from insertion opening 1006without printing an endorsement, an invalid check is indicated to theoperator, and the MICR code reading and endorsement process ends.

[0276] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is describedbelow with reference to FIG. 29. As shown in FIG. 29, this informationdetection apparatus for recording media processing further comprisesslide mechanism 1007 having opposing slide rollers 1071 and 1072. Notethat slide rollers 1071 and 1072 can move vertically apart. Slidemechanism 1007 and transportation mechanism 1003 are also disposed at aposition lower than printing mechanism 1004 and reading mechanism 1005on the side of platen 1042 and magnetic head 1052. In the default(starting) position paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032 are separatedand slide rollers 1071 and 1072 are separated.

[0277] The insertion (forward transportation) operation of the check issimilar to that described above. When paper detectors 1012 and 1013detect that a check has been inserted, the check is held and transportedby paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032. When paper detector 1012 thendetects the trailing end of the check, the check is advanced a limitedknown distance and positioned so that the check does not leavetransportation mechanism 1003. The paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032are then stopped and the check is clamped by slide rollers 1071 and1072.

[0278] When the check is then transported in the reverse directiontoward insertion opening 1006, tension corresponding to the combinationof the friction from slide rollers 1071 and 1072 and the drive forcefrom the paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032 acts on the check tostraighten wrinkles or folds. Because paper transport rollers 1031 and1032 and slide rollers 1071 and 1072 are positioned lower than magnetichead 1052, good contact between the check and magnetic head 1052 canalso be easily maintained. As a result, this embodiment achieves thesame effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0279] It should be noted that a second transportation mechanism similarto the first transportation mechanism 1003 described above can besubstituted for slide rollers 1071 and 1072. In this case thetransportation speed of the second transportation mechanism is set to beslower than the transportation speed of the first transportationmechanism 1003, thereby creating a speed differential. This speeddifferential results in tension applied to the check, and thus alsoachieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

[0280] In addition to the limitation of the first embodiment shown inFIG. 28, the distance D between magnetic head 1052 and slide rollers1071 and 1072 (or the paper transport rollers of the secondtransportation mechanism) must be shorter than the distance B betweenthe leading edge (insertion edge) of the check and the area to which themagnetic ink information 1008 a is printed.

[0281]FIG. 32 is an alternative example of the second embodiment of aninformation detection apparatus in which the recording medium istransported in a single direction. In this example the recording mediumis inserted through inlet 1100 and exits through outlet 1200.

[0282] Referring specifically to FIG. 32, the information detectionapparatus comprises, from right to left, an insertion opening 1100,outlet 1200, print head 1041, platen 1042, detector 1013, presser roller1051, magnetic head 1052, transport roller 1031, transport roller 1032,detector 1012 and foam stop 1014.

[0283] The operating sequence of the recording media shown in FIG. 32will now be described.

[0284] In the default state, paper transport rollers 1031 and 1032 areseparated, presser roller 1051 is separated from magnetic head 1052, andfoam stop 1014 is in the stop position (as shown in dotted lines).

[0285] The recording medium, such as a check, is inserted through inlet1100 and is stopped by foam stop 1014. The check is then detected bydetectors 1012 and 1013. In response to the detection of the check bydetectors 1012 and 1013, a controller (not shown) causes both transportrollers 1031 and 1032 to close. Additionally, arm 1021 is operated sothat presser roller 1051 presses the check against magnetic head 1052,and foam stop 1014 is moved from the stop position (dotted lines) to theprocessing position (solid lines). The mechanism for performing thisoperation is substantially similar to that described with respect toFIG. 27 and will not be repeated here.

[0286] Note that the check is transported in a single direction.Moreover the check is pressed by presser roller 1051 against magnetichead 1051 so that an appropriate amount of friction acts on the check.Tension corresponding to the combination of this friction and papertransport rollers 1031 and 1032 thus acts on the check to straightenwrinkles or folds, for example and thereby make it easier to assure goodcontact between the check and magnetic head 1052.

[0287] It should be noted that while the present invention has beendescribed above as processing a check, the invention shall not be solimited. More specifically, any recording media information detectionapparatus for reading information recorded to a recording medium andprinting to said recording medium based on the content of the readinformation shall be considered within the scope of the presentinvention.

[0288] Furthermore, the recorded information shall not be limited toinformation recorded using magnetic ink, and can be any type ofinformation detected using a contact type detection means. Morespecifically, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that thepresent invention can also be applied in an information detectionapparatus such as an optical detector for recording media processingcomprised to read bar code information using a presser roller and areflection type bar code reader, and then execute an appropriateprinting process.

[0289] While the invention has been described in conjunction withseveral specific embodiments, it is evident to those skilled in the artthat many further alternatives, modifications and variations will beapparent in light of the foregoing description. Thus, the inventiondescribed herein is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, applications and variations as may fall within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information detection apparatus for recordingmedia processing comprising: data detection means for detectinginformation recorded on a recording medium while proximate to therecording medium; a presser for pressing the recording medium againstsaid data detection means; presser moving means for holding and settingsaid presser selectively to one of (1) a pressing position at which saidpresser presses against the recording medium, and (2) an open positionat which said presser does not press against the recording medium; and atransportation mechanism for transporting the recording medium in (1) afirst direction in which the recording medium travels from saidtransportation mechanism toward said data detection means, (2) and asecond direction that is opposite the first direction, wherein saidpresser is set (1) to the open position when the recording medium istransported in the first direction, and (2) to the pressing position atleast while the recording medium is transported in the second directionduring detection of the information recorded on the recording medium bysaid data detection means.
 2. The information detection apparatus forrecording media processing according to claim 1 , further comprising aprinting mechanism disposed between said data detection means and saidtransportation mechanism for printing on the recording medium, whereinsaid presser is set to the pressing position when the recording mediumis transported in the second direction for printing by said printingmechanism.
 3. An information detection apparatus for processing arecording medium having particular information recorded in a particulararea on a first side thereof comprising: an insertion opening throughwhich the recording medium is inserted to a transportation path; atransportation mechanism for transporting the recording medium insertedthrough said insertion opening through the transportation path in aselected one of first and second directions, wherein said transportationmechanism is arranged after said insertion opening in the firstdirection; a printing mechanism to print on the recording medium,wherein said printing mechanism is arranged after said transportationmechanism in the first direction; and a reading mechanism to read theparticular information recorded on the recording medium, wherein saidreading mechanism is arranged after said printing mechanism in the firstdirection; a presser roller disposed with respect to said readingmechanism such that (1) when the recording medium is transported in thefirst direction said presser roller separates from said readingmechanism; and (2) when the recording medium is transported in thesecond direction the recording medium is pressed by said presser rolleragainst said reading mechanism to read the particular information, andsaid printing mechanism executes a printing process for printing on therecording medium.
 4. The information detection apparatus for recordingmedia processing according to claim 3 , wherein a printing process bysaid printing mechanism is executed to a second side of the recordingmedium.
 5. The information detection apparatus for recording mediaprocessing according to claim 3 , wherein the transportation path issubstantially straight.
 6. The information detection apparatus accordingto claims 3, wherein the particular information is recorded in magneticink, and said reading mechanism comprises a magnetic head.
 7. Theinformation detection apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein theparticular information is printed on the recording medium and saidreading mechanism comprises an optical detector.
 8. The informationdetection apparatus for recording media processing according to claim 6, further comprising a self hold solenoid, wherein contact between saidpresser roller and the recording medium is established by said self holdsolenoid such that magnetic noise is substantially absent while readingthe particular information by said recording mechanism.
 9. Theinformation detection apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein saidtransportation mechanism comprises; a single transport roller forholding and transporting the recording medium; a drive mechanism fordriving said single transport roller; and a transfer mechanism fortransferring drive power from said drive mechanism to the transportroller.
 10. An information detection apparatus for recording mediaprocessing comprising: data detection means for detecting informationrecorded on a recording medium while proximate to the recording medium;a transportation mechanism for transporting the recording medium in afirst direction in which the recording medium travels from saidtransportation mechanism toward said data detection means, and a seconddirection that is opposite the first direction, and holding meanspositioned on a side of said data detection means opposite saidtransportation mechanism for holding the recording medium; wherein saiddata detection means is positioned at a height different from that ofsaid transportation mechanism and said holding means; wherein saidholding means does not hold the recording medium when the recordingmedium is transported by said transportation mechanism in the firstdirection, and wherein said holding means holds the recording medium atleast while the recording medium is transported by said transportationmechanism in the second direction during detection of the informationrecorded to the recording medium.
 11. An information detection methodfor recording medium processing in which particular information isrecorded on at least one side of a recording medium, comprising thesteps of: inserting through an insertion opening the recording medium;transporting the recording medium inserted through the insertion openingthrough a paper transportation path in a first direction to a readingmechanism; positioning the recording medium between a detector and apresser roller of the reading mechanism; pressing the recording mediumtoward the detector by means of the presser roller; reading theparticular information from the recording medium by the detector whilepulling the recording medium in a second direction opposite the firstdirection as the recording medium is held in contact with the detector;printing on the recording medium based on the content of the informationread by the detector; and ejecting the recording medium from theinsertion opening after said printing step is completed.
 12. Aninformation detection method comprising the steps of: (a) insertingthrough an opening a first end of a recording medium having informationrecorded thereon at a predetermined location; (b) after step(a)positioning recording medium such that the predetermined locationcontaining the recorded information is opposite a detector; (c) afterstep(b) directly applying pressure to recording medium at the detector:(d) pulling the first end of the recording medium while performingstep(c) so that the detector reads the recorded information from therecording medium.
 13. An information detection apparatus for recordingmedia processing comprising: data detection means for detectinginformation recorded on a recording medium while proximate to therecording medium, wherein the information is recorded at a predeterminedposition on the recording medium; a presser for pressing the recordingmedium against said data detection means; presser moving means forholding and setting said presser selectively to one of (1) a pressingposition at which the presser presses against the recording medium, and(2) an open position at which the presser does not press against therecording medium; and a transportation mechanism for transporting therecording medium (1) to first position so that a start portion of thepredetermined position is arranged proximate to said data detectionmeans; and (2) towards an outlet of said detection apparatus, whereinsaid presser is set (1) to the open position until the recording mediumis transported to the first position by said transportation mechanism;and (2) to the pressing position after the recording medium istransported in the first position by said transportation mechanism assaid transportation mechanism transports the recording medium towardsthe outlet so that the information recorded on the recording medium isdetected by said data detection means.